Post match wash-up - COME ON!!!!

[mick the click]

Tis true.

I see our inevitable "retreat" took place tonight!

We dropped deeper and deeper - it was only a matter of time as it's the most natural reaction, but we defended admirably so thankfully it didn't matter.

Somehow we've got to take the inevitability out of it - it hurts - inevitability is, I'm told, predictable, and therefore can be exploited. Is it Rafa or the team?

[brightred]

We all know Kuyt works hard but lets face facts thats not enough. He's our no.1 striker but is not a constant goal threat, in fact in many games, he's not a threat at all. Would he get in any of the other top 3 English teams, no. Would Barca or Madrid play him, not a chance. Ditto the top Italian sides. I love his work ethic and he seems a really decent bloke but sadly I've just notseen anything to suggest he's quite good enough at the very highest level.

Have to agree with that

If we have loads of money to spend in the close season then a couple of world class strikers are essential

Fair play to Kuyt and Bellamy but they are not world class

[Shaggy]

Somehow we've got to take the inevitability out of it - it hurts - inevitability is, I'm told, predictable, and therefore can be exploited. Is it Rafa or the team?

Oh I dunno. I think 99% of teams in our situation - defending a lead - would've done the same. It happens so often. It's just natural to retreat in a bid to defend what you've got, but we were still brave enough to attack and commit men forward.

[breffniboy]

I've never been as disillusioned after going through to the next round in Europe.

If it was a one-off that we had dominated a game and through sheer bad luck or the other side's naked pox, didn't score, then I wouldn't mind so much, but in practically every game against big teams we have this deep-seated incompetent streak in front of goal and in general attacking nouse. What was it, 15+ attempts and no joy, Barca have three or four if you could even call them that and they score one - squeaky bum time till final whistle. Same thing against the scum on Saturday morning, much the same as against Chelsea at the Bridge.

Even more worrying was the rank failure to retain possession when our deep-lying banks of four repeatedly and admirably broke down Barca attacks. Momo's use of the ball was dreadful but he wasn't alone in that.

Steven Gerrard will remain largely immune from any sort of real analysis or criticism simply because he's Steven Gerrard but he's been short of his usual standards in recent games and didn't show tonight, along with Alonso. If he's sulking because he's on the right again - hard to imagine - he'd want to cop on. I'd play Mascherano in our next few league games and throw him in ahead of Momo, who's suspended anyway now that I think of it.

Neither of our front men, despite working hard and being highly industrious, looked like they would score in a barrel of fannies. If this was one-off, no problem, but it's a failing that's deeply ingrained in our team and IMHO, will cost us the prize in this, the last competition we have a snowball's chance of winning. Don't comfort yourself with thoughts of 'bad luck' and that it'll 'all come right', because that's bollocks. All year we've been on top in games and can't convert because we haven't the class or composure to do so, or perhaps more deeply, have a negative mindset that leaves it easier for us to prevent other teams playing than actually finishing them off. This is largely Rafa's failing as he's bought Kuyt, Crouch, Bellamy and Fowler, plus Morientes before that, so the blame is at his door full square and like Gerrard he shouldn't be immune to criticism when he makes errors. None of which is to say I'm not fully behind either man.

I said the same in 2005 and would love to be proved wrong again but I don't see us having the genuine class to win this again.

Too many fundamental shortcomings, although defence is not one of them but this is part of the problem - all of our core capabilities are in stopping the opposition playing to their strengths and hoping for a goal but Liverpool are about more than that - where's the craft, verve, footballing sophistication, spontaneity, skill that we're famous for?????
Carra and Agger were top class, Finnan too, Arbeloa average, and the only time we let them in down our right was typically due to Pennant who has apparently been getting some good press for 'improved performances' but frankly every time I see him coming on in a tight game I **** myself because he gives the ball away under pressure in defence more often than he retains it or finds a man with a simple pass. This is what happens when you have to shop at Woolworths as opposed to Harvey Nichols, as Alan Hansen says but let's hope this will change soon.

My pesimism and criticism is rough on our boys after playing like lions to keep out one of the best teams in the world, but praise has to be tempered with the fact that we once again couldn't convert from a host of chances, that Barca were way off colour and still almost took us, that our passing was muck and that overall, we're better set up to keep games at 0-0 and bundle the occasional goal than we are to take a game to a big side and push home any advantage in possession or chances.

I might feel different when sober but this is how I feel right now. Let's just hope, even though the evidence of the season is against it, that we pick up considerably and the above bad habits are eradicated. It will help if we're underdogs from here on and Rafa is a bloody good general in Europe. Here's hoping but I'm not positive.

[mick the click]

I've never been as disillusioned after going through to the next round in Europe.

If it was a one-off that we had dominated a game and through sheer bad luck or the other side's naked pox, didn't score, then I wouldn't mind so much, but in practically every game against big teams we have this deep-seated incompetent streak in front of goal and in general attacking nouse. What was it, 15+ attempts and no joy, Barca have three or four if you could even call them that and they score one - squeaky bum time till final whistle. Same thing against the scum on Saturday morning, much the same as against Chelsea at the Bridge.

Even more worrying was the rank failure to retain possession when our deep-lying banks of four repeatedly and admirably broke down Barca attacks. Momo's use of the ball was dreadful but he wasn't alone in that.

Steven Gerrard will remain largely immune from any sort of real analysis or criticism simply because he's Steven Gerrard but he's been short of his usual standards in recent games and didn't show tonight, along with Alonso. If he's sulking because he's on the right again - hard to imagine - he'd want to cop on. I'd play Mascherano in our next few league games and throw him in ahead of Momo, who's suspended anyway now that I think of it.

Neither of our front men, despite working hard and being highly industrious, looked like they would score in a barrel of fannies. If this was one-off, no problem, but it's a failing that's deeply ingrained in our team and IMHO, will cost us the prize in this, the last competition we have a snowball's chance of winning. Don't comfort yourself with thoughts of 'bad luck' and that it'll 'all come right', because that's bollocks. All year we've been on top in games and can't convert because we haven't the class or composure to do so, or perhaps more deeply, have a negative mindset that leaves it easier for us to prevent other teams playing than actually finishing them off. This is largely Rafa's failing as he's bought Kuyt, Crouch, Bellamy and Fowler, plus Morientes before that, so the blame is at his door full square and like Gerrard he shouldn't be immune to criticism when he makes errors. None of which is to say I'm not fully behind either man.

I said the same in 2005 and would love to be proved wrong again but I don't see us having the genuine class to win this again.

Too many fundamental shortcomings, although defence is not one of them but this is part of the problem - all of our core capabilities are in stopping the opposition playing to their strengths and hoping for a goal but Liverpool are about more than that - where's the craft, verve, footballing sophistication, spontaneity, skill that we're famous for?????
Carra and Agger were top class, Finnan too, Arbeloa average, and the only time we let them in down our right was typically due to Pennant who has apparently been getting some good press for 'improved performances' but frankly every time I see him coming on in a tight game I **** myself because he gives the ball away under pressure in defence more often than he retains it or finds a man with a simple pass. This is what happens when you have to shop at Woolworths as opposed to Harvey Nichols, as Alan Hansen says but let's hope this will change soon.

My pesimism and criticism is rough on our boys after playing like lions to keep out one of the best teams in the world, but praise has to be tempered with the fact that we once again couldn't convert from a host of chances, that Barca were way off colour and still almost took us, that our passing was muck and that overall, we're better set up to keep games at 0-0 and bundle the occasional goal than we are to take a game to a big side and push home any advantage in possession or chances.

I might feel different when sober but this is how I feel right now. Let's just hope, even though the evidence of the season is against it, that we pick up considerably and the above bad habits are eradicated. It will help if we're underdogs from here on and Rafa is a bloody good general in Europe. Here's hoping but I'm not positive.

Fair enough - but when Barca hit the post you could say that they were defending their title like lions and when we hit the crossbar twice, have certain goals cleared off the line and generally dominate proceedings, etc, you might ask why can't we finish. I think if we keep on playing like that, and like we did against the scum - we'll be fine... really

[rage]

I've never been as disillusioned after going through to the next round in Europe.

If it was a one-off that we had dominated a game and through sheer bad luck or the other side's naked pox, didn't score, then I wouldn't mind so much, but in practically every game against big teams we have this deep-seated incompetent streak in front of goal and in general attacking nouse. What was it, 15+ attempts and no joy, Barca have three or four if you could even call them that and they score one - squeaky bum time till final whistle. Same thing against the scum on Saturday morning, much the same as against Chelsea at the Bridge.

Even more worrying was the rank failure to retain possession when our deep-lying banks of four repeatedly and admirably broke down Barca attacks. Momo's use of the ball was dreadful but he wasn't alone in that.

Steven Gerrard will remain largely immune from any sort of real analysis or criticism simply because he's Steven Gerrard but he's been short of his usual standards in recent games and didn't show tonight, along with Alonso. If he's sulking because he's on the right again - hard to imagine - he'd want to cop on. I'd play Mascherano in our next few league games and throw him in ahead of Momo, who's suspended anyway now that I think of it.

Neither of our front men, despite working hard and being highly industrious, looked like they would score in a barrel of fannies. If this was one-off, no problem, but it's a failing that's deeply ingrained in our team and IMHO, will cost us the prize in this, the last competition we have a snowball's chance of winning. Don't comfort yourself with thoughts of 'bad luck' and that it'll 'all come right', because that's bollocks. All year we've been on top in games and can't convert because we haven't the class or composure to do so, or perhaps more deeply, have a negative mindset that leaves it easier for us to prevent other teams playing than actually finishing them off. This is largely Rafa's failing as he's bought Kuyt, Crouch, Bellamy and Fowler, plus Morientes before that, so the blame is at his door full square and like Gerrard he shouldn't be immune to criticism when he makes errors. None of which is to say I'm not fully behind either man.

I said the same in 2005 and would love to be proved wrong again but I don't see us having the genuine class to win this again.

Too many fundamental shortcomings, although defence is not one of them but this is part of the problem - all of our core capabilities are in stopping the opposition playing to their strengths and hoping for a goal but Liverpool are about more than that - where's the craft, verve, footballing sophistication, spontaneity, skill that we're famous for?????
Carra and Agger were top class, Finnan too, Arbeloa average, and the only time we let them in down our right was typically due to Pennant who has apparently been getting some good press for 'improved performances' but frankly every time I see him coming on in a tight game I **** myself because he gives the ball away under pressure in defence more often than he retains it or finds a man with a simple pass. This is what happens when you have to shop at Woolworths as opposed to Harvey Nichols, as Alan Hansen says but let's hope this will change soon.

My pesimism and criticism is rough on our boys after playing like lions to keep out one of the best teams in the world, but praise has to be tempered with the fact that we once again couldn't convert from a host of chances, that Barca were way off colour and still almost took us, that our passing was muck and that overall, we're better set up to keep games at 0-0 and bundle the occasional goal than we are to take a game to a big side and push home any advantage in possession or chances.

I might feel different when sober but this is how I feel right now. Let's just hope, even though the evidence of the season is against it, that we pick up considerably and the above bad habits are eradicated. It will help if we're underdogs from here on and Rafa is a bloody good general in Europe. Here's hoping but I'm not positive.

Couldn't have said it better myself but glad to be still able to dream, enjoy the moment we've knocked out barca.

[Laddsy]

I've never been as disillusioned after going through to the next round in Europe.

If it was a one-off that we had dominated a game and through sheer bad luck or the other side's naked pox, didn't score, then I wouldn't mind so much, but in practically every game against big teams we have this deep-seated incompetent streak in front of goal and in general attacking nouse. What was it, 15+ attempts and no joy, Barca have three or four if you could even call them that and they score one - squeaky bum time till final whistle. Same thing against the scum on Saturday morning, much the same as against Chelsea at the Bridge.

Even more worrying was the rank failure to retain possession when our deep-lying banks of four repeatedly and admirably broke down Barca attacks. Momo's use of the ball was dreadful but he wasn't alone in that.

Steven Gerrard will remain largely immune from any sort of real analysis or criticism simply because he's Steven Gerrard but he's been short of his usual standards in recent games and didn't show tonight, along with Alonso. If he's sulking because he's on the right again - hard to imagine - he'd want to cop on. I'd play Mascherano in our next few league games and throw him in ahead of Momo, who's suspended anyway now that I think of it.

Neither of our front men, despite working hard and being highly industrious, looked like they would score in a barrel of fannies. If this was one-off, no problem, but it's a failing that's deeply ingrained in our team and IMHO, will cost us the prize in this, the last competition we have a snowball's chance of winning. Don't comfort yourself with thoughts of 'bad luck' and that it'll 'all come right', because that's bollocks. All year we've been on top in games and can't convert because we haven't the class or composure to do so, or perhaps more deeply, have a negative mindset that leaves it easier for us to prevent other teams playing than actually finishing them off. This is largely Rafa's failing as he's bought Kuyt, Crouch, Bellamy and Fowler, plus Morientes before that, so the blame is at his door full square and like Gerrard he shouldn't be immune to criticism when he makes errors. None of which is to say I'm not fully behind either man.

I said the same in 2005 and would love to be proved wrong again but I don't see us having the genuine class to win this again.

Too many fundamental shortcomings, although defence is not one of them but this is part of the problem - all of our core capabilities are in stopping the opposition playing to their strengths and hoping for a goal but Liverpool are about more than that - where's the craft, verve, footballing sophistication, spontaneity, skill that we're famous for?????
Carra and Agger were top class, Finnan too, Arbeloa average, and the only time we let them in down our right was typically due to Pennant who has apparently been getting some good press for 'improved performances' but frankly every time I see him coming on in a tight game I **** myself because he gives the ball away under pressure in defence more often than he retains it or finds a man with a simple pass. This is what happens when you have to shop at Woolworths as opposed to Harvey Nichols, as Alan Hansen says but let's hope this will change soon.

My pesimism and criticism is rough on our boys after playing like lions to keep out one of the best teams in the world, but praise has to be tempered with the fact that we once again couldn't convert from a host of chances, that Barca were way off colour and still almost took us, that our passing was muck and that overall, we're better set up to keep games at 0-0 and bundle the occasional goal than we are to take a game to a big side and push home any advantage in possession or chances.

I might feel different when sober but this is how I feel right now. Let's just hope, even though the evidence of the season is against it, that we pick up considerably and the above bad habits are eradicated. It will help if we're underdogs from here on and Rafa is a bloody good general in Europe. Here's hoping but I'm not positive.

Thanks for taking the time to post this, but all I heard was blah blah blah blah blah

Sorry

[kurtangle01]

Our overall play shows that we have the basis of a very good team but we just lack that killer instinct in front of goal. Hopefully we manage to sign a top drawer striker in the summer, Villa or Eto will do fine. If and when we get that striker we'll be set for next year. Not much needs changing just a bit of fine tuning.

That said it was a great night even if I was the most nervous that I've been in a while.

[Resu]

One thing made me angry:
I had Bellamy or Riise to score first. How I ended up with nothing I can`t understand.

Get it sorted, lads.

[Red_Polo]

We are just that little bit off where we need to be, and I think we saw that in the first half because we really ought to have put the tie more or less beyond them by then IMO. So often we have players only just unable to beat a defender to be through on goal, only just mi**** a through ball, only just miss the target etc. It's that little bit of extra quality we need in the final third, if we get it then we will be an incredibly strong proposition in the league next season.

Until then, it's for us to concentrate, be smart, and play well as a team unit in order to dominate games and corner the opportunities, which we've shown ourselves to be more than capable of doing. If nothing else it's exciting watching match after match on a knife's edge

[lfc4ever]

If nothing else it's exciting watching match after match on a knife's edge

For you young uns it might be!

[Taffy]

Get in there!!!

We beat the 'mighty' Barca, the holders of the cup, and we progress to the QF of the CL!!!

It wasn't pretty at times in the second half but the first half was amazing - all that was missing was a little bit of luck in front of gla or some extra calmness when it was needed most. They defender for their lives in the first half and we did the same in the final 20 minutes.

Overall we deserve to go through with that fantastic result out there, and we were by far the better team in the first half last night - but we just must learn to make the most of our chances otherwise it's going to go against us in the future!

So pleased for Rafa and the lads, and also a worthy mention to the crowd wheo were once again fantastic and produced another memorable European night at Anfield - I wish I was there!

Don't really care who we get in the QF but I'd rather stay away from any of the English sides as Rafa knows how to beat the foreign teams so well!

Great night, and great to still be in the competition!!!!

[simey85]

brilliant result last night back four was immense carra will get all the praise deservedly so but i also thought agger played brilliant in the last 20min. seen gerrard getting some critisism on here for his performance last night i actually thought he played well maybe not influencing the game and bombing forward but he worked immensly hard and gave finnan great cover at the back! maybe people aren't seeing him in games rampaging forward but its a team game and that means sacrificing things in order to win!

[tomasjj]

After Carra and Finnan, I thought Gerrard was our best man.