Well, as the rest of you know, our latest match was less than impressive. We started convincingly as we had strength in our front and back, with Lucas and Masch playing a more deffencive role each. But as much as i hate to say it as the next guy, Im starting to concern and worry about Carragher’s recent performances and our deffencive slip ups.Im not worried with our teams depth or strength in a whole, but at times it seems individuals are gone. If not for Reina, we would have been down 4 nil in the first half, he did his part and ide say he was my man of the match. As one commentator said, “it just isnt liverpool’s day”, plain and simple it wasnt. from the constand shots that rise over the net plenty of feet too much to the simple passes that Gerrard was mistaking near the end and torres mis-hit volley that flicked off his shin passed a relativley open goal, to the last minute shot by Yossi that only curved itself just inches from goal. From the first half, i was convinced that it was a deadlock that would be broken by our boys who have been in great scoring from when we need goals usually, not the case though. As Gerrard passed a free kick off to Riera, i was interested and ive got to say honestly, that shot was our best taken oppertunity the whole match. Riera is usually either a starter and subbed, or left off and replaces a winger, but if he is going to be taking free kicks like that, i personally want him to alternate with Gerrard (ofcoarse, Gerrard has first take and then Fabio once he is back on course). Overall.. im gutted, im able to find more negatives. But my main fear, is Carragher. Yes.. its crazy to think that our assistant captain, and long time serving red should be questioned, but about our last 4 goals against us have been something to do with Carra… Today it was Two. The first, he was un aware of Anelka lurking behind and as the ball passed him, it was put in the net. The second, Drogba easily wrestled past him to pass off to Malouda and seal the sadness for the night.. As me and my dad talked, we both agree that once Agger is fit, Maybe he and Kyriakos Can feature with Skrtel and Johnson. Just a game or a half to let Carragher take a day off and then come back full of spirit. But who knows, next week he could be back to his old self. Just my one opinion.. At least Mascherano featured in his new Nike CTR360 Maestri shoes, we still are the most up to date with technology at least!
Defensively, which player needs to pick his game up (only of 21 votes after the Hull City Game, but the point is seen)
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Jamie Carragher 66.7%
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Martin Skrtel 28.6%
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Javier Mascherano 0.0%
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Glen Johnson 4.8%
Arsenal fan in peace, I don’t normally voice my views on non Arsenal matters…but this is interesting. On Match of the Day one of the “pundits” pointed the blame at Skrtel to suggest that he was the weaker link. I’ve seen Carragher in parts this year (whenever I’ve brought myself to watch the pool), and this is true. He doesn’t look as solid, the energy seems to have been drained out of him.
agree agree agree… i thought skrtel performances were shaky (against fiorentina was the worst player on the field) but carragher hasn’t been regular either…
i think skartel did a great job today and i hope he keeps this shape so when agger come back they could start a couple games togueter so carragher can rest his mind
I agree with your statements.
I can’t remember how many times over the last year that he has taken a swing at the ball and missed.
Age is setting in.
By the way, can you break your post into paragraphs please to make it a little easier to read?
I don’t see what the big deal is. Chelsea has been one, if not the best team this season so far. Liverpool haven’t replaced Alonso and rely on Gerrard and Torres too much. If you contain them, then you have a good chance of beating them. Their peripheral players other than Benayoun aren’t consistent enough and old man Carragher is long in the tooth. Chelsea didn’t play particularly well, but got the two breaks they needed. If Aquilani doesn’t hit the ground running then it will be them battling Man C for 4th as Arsenal are getting contributions from all over the pitch and with Fabregas hitting form again I don’t see why they go on a long winning streak till they meet one of the other big 4 again.
The first goal certainly was not Carraghers mistake, it was Mascherano’s who lost the ball to Lampard in a position he should never lose a ball!!! Then Skrtel did not block the cross so in the end Anelka scored but to blame Carra for that is ridiculous! You hardly can blame the defense when we don’t even score a goal, both Gerrard and Torres were well below par, just like vs Fiorentina. Torres on a good day would have scored 2 but he didn’t and now we blame Carra for that?
guys i think Alain is right, we all love elnino. he fills in the spark that was left by Fowler and Rushie. but have you ever seen nando make more than 3 or 4 passes in a game. i think Rafa needs to realize that he has to give torres some passing practice during training.
v all know he is the best striker in the universe, but this part needs more improvement and if it happens, i bet stevie G will be a scoring ace again and we’ll create more chances than we did yesterday
dnt get me wrong, i bounce as much as any of you guys do!
love nando and this still is the season for the 19th,
C’monnn u reds
YNWA
Maybe I’m not seeing the wood for the trees but I can’t help thinking it’s a deeper problem.
Carra’s always been slow, and Drogba’s often done for him. Nothing new there.
It seems to me there is a lack of trust in the team – two new full backs and Carra isn’t sure of his position. A new midfield, and Stevie G is caught in to minds whether to go forward or come back.
The roles they all knew and Rafa drove into them for 5 years have changed and I think we’re taking time to adjust