The wingers question...

[bazza76]

That's the other thing i've been going on about mate, numbers in the box.

Some people seem to disagree with me on it.

Its not that nobody likes to see numbers in the box.
Its the fact, tht Rafa will not leave the team exposed, why do you think we have been so ood at home this season, only conceeding 4 league goals at Anfield?. Its because the team stick to Rafa's tactics and formation.

[Craig_H]

Why do you think we have been so good defensively under Rafa?
Because we play with two central midfielders playing in front of the back four, with momo getting about more than Alonso generally pressurising the opposition. You are again asking Rafa to abandon his approach to suit your needs, Rafa has been successfull with this formation and approach in the past, he wil be successful again, we can not just turn into an average Permiership team tactically just to get one player into the box more often than not. Rafa will do things HIS way, which means being solid defensively first while keeping an attacking intent, which we have.

Once again....

20 points off the top...

26 goals less than United....

Least goals scored of the top four...

Nowhere NEAR winning the title...

Maybe...just PERHAPS, La Liga and the Premiership are slightly different leagues, with different requirements?

Just a thought...

[Red Chilli]

Currently, we're somewhat lacking in the "rape the fullback and tear their defence open" option

I'm sure Pennant did that to Ashley Cole

[Craig_H]

Its not that nobody likes to see numbers in the box.
Its the fact, tht Rafa will not leave the team exposed, why do you think we have been so ood at home this season, only conceeding 4 league goals at Anfield?. Its because the team stick to Rafa's tactics and formation.

When they start giving out Premiership titles for only conceding 4 goals at home, i'll be with you.

You seem to be implying that it's not possible to be defensively solid AND score goals. It really isnt.

Have a look at the goals for/against columns of Man Utd.

It can be done, y'see...

[nbryan1764]

I wouldnt call it '****' because that's harsh, but i suppose in comparison to beckham, who was nearly always on the money, i guess you could say '****'.

When you cross from deep, the defenders will usually be set in their positions and ready to deal with it, with numbers back.

Obviously, this means that your cross has to be very accurate.

well to put my two pennies worth in, I think it has more to do with the forwards you have. Beckham had (and probably still has) great crossing ability but he also had forwards who could read his crosses. If you know you can whip a ball in and the chances are that someone can get on them its a lot easier. Yorke and Van Nistelrooy had that ability to move onto those crosses which is why he had so many assists. I am not convinced that we have forwards who would make the most of those crosses. Even if we had beckham putting the same crosses in for us then we still would not score as many goals.

That is why I agreed with your first point about wingers beating men. Its not a lot of use Pennant crossing from deep Beckham esque. We need to get behind the defenders to cut back. Then we would have more clear chances and dare I say, more goals.

[Craig_H]

well to put my two pennies worth in, I think it has more to do with the forwards you have. Beckham had (and probably still has) great crossing ability but he also had forwards who could read his crosses. If you know you can whip a ball in and the chances are that someone can get on them its a lot easier. Yorke and Van Nistelrooy had that ability to move onto those crosses which is why he had so many assists. I am not convinced that we have forwards who would make the most of those crosses. Even if we had beckham putting the same crosses in for us then we still would not score as many goals.

That is why I agreed with your first point about wingers beating men. Its not a lot of use Pennant crossing from deep Beckham esque. We need to get behind the defenders to cut back. Then we would have more clear chances and dare I say, more goals.

[bazza76]

Once again....

20 points off the top...

26 goals less than United....

Least goals scored of the top four...

Nowhere NEAR winning the title...

Maybe...just PERHAPS, La Liga and the Premiership are slightly different leagues, with different requirements?

Just a thought...

So say if Rafa doesnt adjust his srategy to suit you, we can't win the PRemiership?.
The reason I think we are so far behind is due to squad rotation, more so than our approach to the game, in Rafa's second season in charge of Liverpool, after the first 8 games (settling in period for the squad) we we the best team over the remaining 30 games.
IMO its not about getting more men forward, we create enough chances. we need more quality.

[keniget]

I'm sure Pennant did that to Ashley Cole

Heh, well as long as they do it once or twice a season.

Anyone watching the Spurs vs Hammers game?

Great stuff. It's cruel to laugh, but it's just too good.

[Shaggy]

I know what you mean about Gonzalez in Spain. He looks a totally different player. He has the tools to do it, but seemingly, not the belief.

It has to be a confidence thing. FFS lad, just have a go and see what happens!

Exactly. I was going to say the same thing. With 'Honthaleth', it's all down to belief IMO. Or rather, a total lack of it.

Some players aren't cut out to handle the pressure of playing for a top club and Speedy looks, at this stage, to be one of those players.

We saw enough of him in Spain, and on occasion for his country, that he is more than adept at going past his man. It's clear to me when he's receiving the ball, often with ample opportunity to at least have a go at his full-back, he just doesn't have the guts/confidence/belief to at least try and beat him, for fear of losing possession. **** it lad, have a go for God's sake.

I'm finding watching Gonzalez very frustrating because I know he has the ability, but appears to be failing solely for a lack of self-belief.

[Red_Al_77]

Classic nose-bleed thread.

[Craig_H]

So say if Rafa doesnt adjust his srategy to suit you, we can't win the PRemiership?.
The reason I think we are so far behind is due to squad rotation, more so than our approach to the game, in Rafa's second season in charge of Liverpool, after the first 8 games (settling in period for the squad) we we the best team over the remaining 30 games.
IMO its not about getting more men forward, we create enough chances. we need more quality.

Squad rotation is part of his strategy too, so by questioning that, you're also questioning his strategy....

[Craig_H]

Classic nose-bleed thread.

What in god's name is a 'nose bleed thread' ?

[Red_Al_77]

Where the author of the thread argues with all and sundry in an attempt to get his/her point across.

[Craig_H]

Where the author of the thread argues with all and sundry in an attempt to get his/her point across.

Right...

[bazza76]

Classic nose-bleed thread.