Mario Balotelli [On the Road to Ballon d'or)

[BG1973]

Plenty today to dispel the view that he's not actually a good player.

Pace to burn which I hadn't seen before. Strength, touch, ball striking.

Problem is I don't think... He's going to get a run of games with DS that could really make the difference..

[dww]

He can keep coming on and making a difference and that would be fine by me.

It was nice to see what looked like a planned freekick without Gerrard on the field. The last thing that we need to add to replace Gerrard in my opinion is some better set pieces.

[Gazzla]

Absolutely superb tonight, credit where it's due he was the difference tonight. Gerrard sticking the knife in with the penalty a little which wasn't good to hear

[Chris]

Bossed it! He's earned a start now.

Gerrard sticking the knife in is a bit annoying.

[danperkins]

Very good performance. Looking a lot busier and more dangerous. Long may it continue..well done.

[baitman]

a great penalty, but he has put pressure on hendo and the wobbly gobbed lad has folded.
the deputy captain has had his cred flushed. stodge was arguing with mario, but only to try and back up hendo.

[Buzzo]

Mario was absolutely the right choice for the pen. Even if only he knew it.

Great performance, hopefully that is the focus, and not penaltygate.

[The_weatherman]

Don't see how Jordan could have handled this otherwise, if he'd stuck to his guns he could have started a fight on live TV, better to give it to Mario who has an excellent record. Why doesn't Mario take them btw?

[McDermotX]

a great penalty, but he has put pressure on hendo and the wobbly gobbed lad has folded.
the deputy captain has had his cred flushed. stodge was arguing with mario, but only to try and back up hendo.

Agreed.......at the very least, Henderson should be transfer-listed.




Like a bitch.


Mario will probably be taking his armband and wife later on.

[baitman]

Don't see how Jordan could have handled this otherwise, if he'd stuck to his guns he could have started a fight on live TV, better to give it to Mario who has an excellent record. Why doesn't Mario take them btw?

gerrard said that hendo was the named peno taker. mario isnt on the pitch often enough to get a shout.

agree he is probably the best man for the job after gerrard, but he walked over the meek henderson.
maybe hendo thought it was right to give it to mario, but then he walked away muttering about knobheads.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Forgetting the penalty incident, he was brilliant when he came on.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

gerrard said that hendo was the named peno taker. mario isnt on the pitch often enough to get a shout.

agree he is probably the best man for the job after gerrard, but he walked over the meek henderson.
maybe hendo thought it was right to give it to mario, but then he walked away muttering about knobheads.

This is my problem.. Either grab the ball and show some authority OR allow him to have it don't get it taken off you and walk away muttering followed by a half celebration. Hopefully a lesson for him but Gerrard hardly helped, should have brushed it off and congratulated Mario and the team.

[Kenneth]

Yes, he did very well. Brought down high balls well, some very nice touches that went to team mates, won a couple of dangerous free kicks (well they should have been dangerous). The kind of stuff we expect sturridge to do when he's not playing ****.

[Buzzo]

Agreed.......at the very least, Henderson should be transfer-listed.




Like a bitch.


Mario will probably be taking his armband and wife later on.

[Shaggy]

Thought Stevie having a pop was a bit weird and unnecessary. Surely that sort of stuff should be kept to himself? Just roll out a few meaningless platitudes instead, who gives a ****.