Other games 31 January / 1 February

[Craig_H]

I initially thought it was outside, but on seeing the replay, i noticed that Arteta makes 2 challenges. The first one was definitely just outside but not much of a foul and then the 'swinging leg' that caught Carrick was inside. By the time his leg made contact with Carrick, it was definitely in the area.

[Liverpool]

It can look soft because Carrick didnt go down, but Arteta's leg was swung at him, without making any contact on the ball. I hate the fact that it was given but being brutally honest, swinging your leg at an opponent and catching them IS a foul, much as i hate to seem those ******s winning.

If it was down the other end it wouldnt have been given.

[Craig_H]

If it was down the other end it wouldnt have been given.

Quite possibly not mate.

That doesnt make it NOT a penalty though, unfortunately.

[Leyton388]

A bit off topic guys but it is being reported on TLW by dave usher that Keane is not even in the squad tomorrow and did not attend training today!

[MrsB]

I initially thought it was outside, but on seeing the replay, i noticed that Arteta makes 2 challenges. The first one was definitely just outside but not much of a foul and then the 'swinging leg' that caught Carrick was inside. By the time his leg made contact with Carrick, it was definitely in the area.

If it was down the other end it wouldnt have been given.

I agree.

[MrMichael]

LMFAO we go from being 8 points clear of united to 5 behind after the mancs spank the bitters. Nice one Rafa!

And the players.

I'm not buying the "its all Rafa's fault" thing, if it is then, well, its also down to him that we were challenging in the first place. Not saying that in the reversal of our fortunes recently he hasn't played quite a role, but ultimately the teams we've been putting out, and the tactics they've been using, still should have beaten the oppositions we've been playing if the players had played to the top of their abilities. One thing no manager can actually do is put the ball in the back of the net.

[Craig_H]

I agree.

I think both posts you quoted were pretty much correct.

Even the one which wasnt mine

[Craig_H]

And the players.

I'm not buying the "its all Rafa's fault" thing, if it is then, well, its also down to him that we were challenging in the first place. Not saying that in the reversal of our fortunes recently he hasn't played quite a role, but ultimately the teams we've been putting out, and the tactics they've been using, still should have beaten the oppositions we've been playing if the players had played to the top of their abilities. One thing no manager can actually do is put the ball in the back of the net.

It was indeed down to him that we were challenging. Think back to early season, Boro and Wigan games, City away - we ****ing well went for it, gung ho and played with purpose, tempo and attacking threat.

Unfortunately, Rafa's not operated with the same philosophy in recent weeks and it's this, along with the inability to throw the kitchen sink at Fulham, West Ham and Hull, which has killed our title bid. He doesnt send the team out to play with an attacking tempo or mentality. It's the 'just do enough' syndrome that's his downfall IMO.

Nobody's saying Rafa's ONLY made mistakes, but it is pretty much Rafa's mistakes which have cost us this month.

The buck stops with him, unfortunately.

[Shaggy]

A bit off topic guys but it is being reported on TLW by dave usher that Keane is not even in the squad tomorrow and did not attend training today!

Link?

[Leyton388]

And the players.

I'm not buying the "its all Rafa's fault" thing, if it is then, well, its also down to him that we were challenging in the first place. Not saying that in the reversal of our fortunes recently he hasn't played quite a role, but ultimately the teams we've been putting out, and the tactics they've been using, still should have beaten the oppositions we've been playing if the players had played to the top of their abilities. One thing no manager can actually do is put the ball in the back of the net.

Rafa picks the team mate and decides on the subs and the fact he has left Keane out in the cold when we need him most is sickening IMO. Wigan he took torres off and gerrard? and against hull when it was 2-2 he put lucas on and left keane on the bench.

His decision making over the past month or so has just been crazy. Don't get me wrong i love rafa to bits with what he has done but i don't want it to go the way of Houllier if you know what i mean.

[Leyton388]

Link?

http://www.liverpoolway.co.uk/forum/ff-football-forum/74254-keane-not-training-today-3.html

Post 57 mate

[MrsB]

*ahem*

Reminder: This isn't a Rafa thread.

[Shaggy]

http://www.liverpoolway.co.uk/forum/...g-today-3.html



Post 57 mate

Cheers mate.

Blimey....what a disastrous move that turned out to be. I hope we sell him like but I feel sad for him that it's come to this.

[JohnDoe]

Mancs' defence is just too good.

They have the players to get one goal every game and then it's over.

[wiw]

Unlike Rafa, Ferguson isnt so set in his ways that he refuses to EVER change any element of his methods. Vidic on Cahill for corners. Sensible idea.

Rafa, of course, is too god-like to ever change the methods he (and only he) thinks are always the best option.

Moyes the Great had Osman on Ferdinand for a corner just before. It happens