been a while.
1. our defense
we're holding a high line now. all four defenders are reasonably quick.
our fullbacks are pushing on and creating chances (and acting as decoys for attackers with the ball).
stuff I've wanted for a while and (imho) we look a more potent and compact unit as a result.
2. no out and out holding midfielder.
we are holding our own (no pun intended) with no out and out destroyer and I'll be honest I'm a little surprised.
sure, I've been an advocate for dropping this type of player at home but I would always play one away from home.
the question is, have we limited opposition chances because we are so compact and organised (our defense) or is it the quality or rather lack of quality of the opposition?
3. henderson gave a mature performance
got forwards to support the attack but was sensible when the opposition got the ball.
adam and henderson took it upon themselves to shield the defense with jonjo given licence to support suarez.
will be intersting to see what happens when spearing suspension is over, if it isn't broken and all that.
4. jonjo
did really well and got into good positions. needed a little more composure in front of goal but his flick for the first goal was classic.
I think his first liverpool goal isn't far off and if he performs then the need to rush back gerrard is lessened (which will probably lead to another injury).
5. johnson
was sensible with his runs forward and I was pleased when he lead an attacker on the outside rather than showing him inside.
say what you want about johnson at least he's willing to learn and improve the defensive side of his game.
6. carra
looked really rusty when he came on first by cheaply giving the ball away and then by getting megged near the byline.
was good to give jamie minutes though as no way can skrtel and agger complete all the games over the christmas period.
7. downing
to me looked like he was playing within himself like he didn't want to hurt villa. he wasn't direct as he can be and opted to lay the ball off rather than taking responsiblity himself. he is currently lacking confidence but think if he gets a goal or an assist he go on a run.
8. carroll
didn't really have time to make an impact. if the worst happens with suarez then reponsibility will drop squarely on his (carroll) shoulders as I honestly think kenny will go with carroll rather than kuyt as kuyt is having his annual slump.
9. one touch
the amount and frequency of our one touch passing is very pleasing indeed. give and goes and little triangles which kept the ball moving quickly and wore out the oppositions chasing shadows, this would also have helped conserve energy for the christmas programme.
10. counter attackers
we really break at pace with decent speed right throught the heart of the team and we're also commiting numbers forwards, either we have confidence to hold the ball high up the pitch or we have confidence in ouur defense if we lose the ball but it's easy to see how we create so many chances.
11. suarez
was (for him) subdued but he created one once that way right out of the top drawer, figers crossed with the court case.
worst comes to worst I don't think we'll be fucked but it will be a BIG loss
12. bellamy
should start as many games as his knees will allow. I think any game bellamy doesn't start then the nod should be given to maxi, another player I think should play as often as possible.
all in all result aside I am pleased with the shape of the team and how we're creating chances. I think the finishing will come in time.
1. our defense
we're holding a high line now. all four defenders are reasonably quick.
our fullbacks are pushing on and creating chances (and acting as decoys for attackers with the ball).
stuff I've wanted for a while and (imho) we look a more potent and compact unit as a result.
2. no out and out holding midfielder.
we are holding our own (no pun intended) with no out and out destroyer and I'll be honest I'm a little surprised.
sure, I've been an advocate for dropping this type of player at home but I would always play one away from home.
the question is, have we limited opposition chances because we are so compact and organised (our defense) or is it the quality or rather lack of quality of the opposition?
3. henderson gave a mature performance
got forwards to support the attack but was sensible when the opposition got the ball.
adam and henderson took it upon themselves to shield the defense with jonjo given licence to support suarez.
will be intersting to see what happens when spearing suspension is over, if it isn't broken and all that.
4. jonjo
did really well and got into good positions. needed a little more composure in front of goal but his flick for the first goal was classic.
I think his first liverpool goal isn't far off and if he performs then the need to rush back gerrard is lessened (which will probably lead to another injury).
5. johnson
was sensible with his runs forward and I was pleased when he lead an attacker on the outside rather than showing him inside.
say what you want about johnson at least he's willing to learn and improve the defensive side of his game.
6. carra
looked really rusty when he came on first by cheaply giving the ball away and then by getting megged near the byline.
was good to give jamie minutes though as no way can skrtel and agger complete all the games over the christmas period.
7. downing
to me looked like he was playing within himself like he didn't want to hurt villa. he wasn't direct as he can be and opted to lay the ball off rather than taking responsiblity himself. he is currently lacking confidence but think if he gets a goal or an assist he go on a run.
8. carroll
didn't really have time to make an impact. if the worst happens with suarez then reponsibility will drop squarely on his (carroll) shoulders as I honestly think kenny will go with carroll rather than kuyt as kuyt is having his annual slump.
9. one touch
the amount and frequency of our one touch passing is very pleasing indeed. give and goes and little triangles which kept the ball moving quickly and wore out the oppositions chasing shadows, this would also have helped conserve energy for the christmas programme.
10. counter attackers
we really break at pace with decent speed right throught the heart of the team and we're also commiting numbers forwards, either we have confidence to hold the ball high up the pitch or we have confidence in ouur defense if we lose the ball but it's easy to see how we create so many chances.
11. suarez
was (for him) subdued but he created one once that way right out of the top drawer, figers crossed with the court case.
worst comes to worst I don't think we'll be fucked but it will be a BIG loss
12. bellamy
should start as many games as his knees will allow. I think any game bellamy doesn't start then the nod should be given to maxi, another player I think should play as often as possible.
all in all result aside I am pleased with the shape of the team and how we're creating chances. I think the finishing will come in time.
