In general I did not really like the game or relax at any time. This is because from the start we looked vulnerable, down our right and route one down the middle. Not because of Johnson as such, but mainly because the formation was not working. 4-2-3-1 I think it works against most teams, but if we start having problems containing the oppositions wing, then I think we should revert to good old 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1. This will give our full backs more cover against the pace we faced today. You only have to see our Insa was fine today, because they had no real pace against him. As for the route one Carlton Cole threat, this could have been avoided if Masc and Lucas had been a little more disciplined, in holding while Gerrard went forward. Maybe if they had been, then threat down the wing would be less as well.
Great to see Babel make a contribution, lets hope he gets his head down and keeps his mouth shut, weather he leaves or not in January. I would still like to see him play up front sometime, as that is where he plied his trade before coming to us.
I was impressed with the way our boys plugged away and chased down the ball in all areas of the pitch, when not in possession, that bodes well for the season, to have that hunger, Just a bit more discipline in holding our formation would be nice. At times Johnson, Masc, Lucas, Gerrard and Insua were well forward near the oppositions box. Don’t mind Insua and Johnson Going forward, but one of the other 3 should have been covering near the center spot ready to break down a move down either wing or to be ready for the clearance. This did get better in the second half, as was shown in the pressure leading to Torres second, but Rafa must ask for a bit more control throughout the 90mins!