Another weekend ruined as Liverpool contrive once again to throw away a win with a painfully lacklustre and all to familiar display at St James Park.
Having never recorded a win against a Rafa Benitez team, the Reds put themselves in pole position to take all three points thanks to a Phil Coutinho howitzer only to surprise absolutely no one by gifting Newcastle the softest of equalisers.
Joining Neil Atkinson to pull on all the threads are Gareth Roberts, Mike Nevin and Melissa Reddy.
Direct: The Anfield Wrap – Free Podcast: Rafa Rocks Rotten Reds
Groundhog pod
But always worth a listen
Great show guys- taking the disappointment and all, but you got the balance right.
Glad to hear at last that you’re recognised that Gini is the midfield problem (not Hendo v Can) awhile now and in so many ways, not only is he not contributing to our attack as before, he’s also not part of our defensive play, leading to unnecessary exposure whereby one or two touches later, it leads to our defenders having problems or catastrophes. His influence is weakening us atm. He has to rest and retrain.
I feel you went light on the damage that Klopp did by having Sturridge on the pitch (though I admit I thought he was the right choice when team was announced) and breaking up the PC, SM and MS dynamic. It’s like a sword being used in a battle of gunslingers. Looks great if it hits targets but they want ammunition, not a Scarlet Pimpernel. He starved them, broke their rhythm and was selfish to the point of losing possession for the goal chance they took. Had to be his last start esp with AL returning.
As I said yesterday, Milner would’ve been perfect for yesterday. With him at RB and Can on helping Gini, then PC could’ve played tip of the diamond supporting Salah and Mane up. A 41212 that becomes a 433 at other offensive times, and a 442 in defensive play. I’m expecting that at Anfield v mu, unless Firmino is fit and energetic, then Gini’s out and PC supports from mf with M,F,S attack.
Down but not RedsDown :). Jurgen will get it right- just a good win away from a momentum boosting run. YNWA
Just to stay on topic, we still fucked up against Newcastle and made Shelvey and whoever it was who accidentally scored look like Messi and Suarez.
Jurgen still needs to sort out the issues with the defense, Coutinho is still consistently inconsistent, and I still don’t know what the OX is doing at LFC, but all this needs to change, starting with United and Spurs, back to back.
Anything less I am afraid not even Klopp might be able to talk his way out of it, let alone Melissa or TAW.
So whether you’re a he, she or it, we need everyone to back this team at Anfield and then some.
Up the Reds!
Been following this and genuinely don’t know what the angst is over. Thought it was completely balanced and fair. One thing I would disagree on is Gini was excellent last season. He had 1 game in 4 that was excellent and certainly protects the ball well when he actually wins it but you have to do something with it now and again. I’m starting to think our midfield is an issue. Everyone on my fb feed was going mad about hendo last night. Mainly mancs and blues but there was nothing I could say in his defence and usually I would. It’s left me wondering what I actually think of them all now. Lallana can’t come back soon enough for me.
Hi Robin, Was wondering what you made of this bit of analysis on Hendo?
https://www.thisisanfield.com/2017/10/analysing-strengths-weaknesses-jordan-henderson-liverpools-no-6/
Hi Sash. I know he’s an ok writer tbf but I don’t really like this modern phenomenon of taking instances from a match and freeze framing it. You can make any narrative fit. I often think – he could write any old shit and the majority would believe it. But, no doubt there’s some truth in it.
I’m more old school. I watch games and I get a feel for it. It’s only my opinion but I feel confident in knowing who’s done ok and who hasn’t. I’ve defended Henderson for yours. Not as an agenda to be proved right but because I respect his attitude, I think he’s a nice bloke and I think he’s a good player. But, I’m turning a bit. It started off with his shooting and set pieces. I don’t understand how a PL player can be so poor at it. Then recently I’m getting annoyed by those lofted crosses into the box. Whip them in or don’t bother. Now, it does seem he’s falling short in the number 6 role. My mates can’t stand him and mock me for my defence of him. He’s played well recently and has many great traits. I suppose for the first time, I wondering if he’s good enough to take us to the title. I genuinely hope he does but I’m not sure whether he is across the board
@Robin Thanks mate. Yeah I think the match that was analyzed might not be a fair one to place on Henderson. I do agree with you about feeling on Henderson’s development from the time he was bought until now.
However I don’t know if this makes sense, but I feel that his crosses especially have somewhat improved, but it’s like he doesn’t get a break either, as when he does have them in our attack has gone off the boil in terms of finishing chances. Imagine Rushie, Torres or Suarez in the same finishing positions?
Another thing with respect to Henderson is having to play in the DM position and wearing the armband. I mean I feel like he has so many hats to wear, and then he doesn’t have the time to develop for each of those roles. When he played as an attacking Mid, you know like in the 2014/15 or sometime then he seemed to flourish with confidence.
I don’t know about this, but to me his development is stunted in this current position, and if Klopp took a chance on someone like Milner, who is just as industrious, but has the leadership qualities I think, maybe Hendo gets a break there and pushed up? I’m clutching at straws here thinking about the impending match up against United next Saturday.
Your thoughts?
Hi Sash, for what it’s worth, it’s a self-fulfilling article where Sam states people are looking to prove their views right, begins then to proffer a comparison of two midfielders whether they’re the better man for the role, and then spends all his time discussing and knocking Henderson.
Despite being our best player in the Leicester and Spartak matches, despite 3 or 4 gilt-edged assists not being converted. Despite being the only midfielder tackling and intercepting especially against Spartak, he uses freeze frames to show how because he’s not doing the work of two, and so Henderson’s not fit for purpose.
In the meanwhile, Can, in those games flitted in and out. He was reasonably good, like all, against Leicester but was totally anonymous against Spartak. Well actually he did stand out for dilly dallying with the ball, losing possession, then fouling for the free kick that resulted in their goal. Otherwise his influence was non-existent. Do you even remember him playing that game? Bet you remember Hendo though, and the chances missed that he put in too.
It’s quite an incredible article in that here’s the two best games Henderson’s had since his surgery recovery, and yet he tries to use them as a stick to beat him with, while ignoring the stark reality that his accompanying midfielders are often passengers. Perhaps that’s why Klopp hasn’t the same faith in them either?
I’ll tell you what though- give Gini or Can the heavy ‘Stevie G’ armband and see if they’d be able to put up with the abuse that comes with wearing the poisoned chalice it’s become.
@RedsUp/Peter, thanks for the reply. The article does highlight some key points, but you are right, Gini and Can are also not helping matters here. Well said.
However please see my response above to Robin.
How about trying Hendo back in the attacking Mid, give Milner the duty to captain as he doesn’t play internationals, drill him to bits on the role and from my perspective I feel Milner is more of a leader, and Hendo gets a chance to develop his game and confidence.
What do you think?
I still agree with Klopp that Hendo’s the best man for the 6 role as he’s proving himself again more and more in each game. But the other two are inconsistent, error prone and hiding most of the time. I’d start Milner Rmf with Hendo center Dmf in a 433 v Mu with PC Lmf then M,F,S up
Or better again, as Gomez isn’t a RB and TAA isn’t strong enough yet, Milner at RB, then the usual C,H,PC with MFS up.
Milner is needed to help balling everyone out and let Henderson do more football. Gerrard has his Carragher to assist in that way.
Also- Robertson at LB. a traditional and attacking LB