Anyone still think Gerrard and Torres should have started on Sat?

[Guest]

We were awful last night, one of the poorest performances I've witnessed under Rafa's regime. We were better in the later stages of the game so that discards fitness levels being under par, as we played with 10 men for 30 mins, and still came with a point despite chasing for the ball for 99% of the game.

We didn't play well because it's impossible to play well every match, not because of rotation or other things being mentioned in this thread. It's been a tough week (last) with players being away and flying all over the world (Mascherano) so some of them are bound to be a little jaded.

We didn't pass the ball well at all and had only one shot on target on the night (the goal) and did nothing attacking wise. If it had not been for our fantastic organization when we don't have the ball and our efficiency (all down to Rafa), then we probably would have lost heavily.

Thing is, it's not believing that Rafa is a god and that he's always right, it's that he believes we have a squad with players who can come in for others and still perform well enough for us to get a result. And it's pointless targeting individuals as it's a team thing anyway.

We aren't firing on cylinders at the moment and hopefully that isn't something related to Pako going. That 6-0 win at Derby could have been a false dawn ? Could be. I still think Man Utd have more quality than us anyway.

[cobain]

Rafa is not a basketball coach, he can't chop and change every single second, that will confuse the team more than it will help (Does the term tinkerman ring any bells?). He physically controls two things: The team and the substitutions. The team was fine, Rafa was spot on in his selections and even his critics don't think that was "the problem". You can only make three subs a game. Do you honestly think the team's performance had anything to do with subs?

So we're down to 10 men, away from home, under pressure, the players can't string a pass together... Oh I know! I'll make a quick substitution and suddenly a magical beam of energy will shoot right through the team and everything will be right again.

How many times do I have to tell you that Pennant shouldn't be sent off in the first place - he shouldn't come out for the second half. Period! He's one of the most temperamental players in our squad and when he came out for the second half, it was the red card written all over it! Because he can't control his temper! This was a huuuge mistake by Rafa! And because he didn't replace him, we played the rest of the game with 10 men. End of.

[cobain]

Yes because we've had such a disasterous start to the season

Yes, if so called "the best midfield in the world" can't put 2 passes together and plays ****e in recent two matches, this is worrying!

They need to sort things out sharpish

[JohnDoe]

You can't play well every game. No side in the world can do that, you play better in some games and worse in others and if you are a good side you'll win more often than you don't.

The poor performance against Pompey, like last night, had nothing to do with the quality of the players. It was their form at that particular game, and even when they didn't play well we still didn't lose neither of these games.

Should I remind you, before you panic and reach a meltdown, that we've yet to concede a goal from open play, we're unbeaten and we've had a much more convincing start than our main title rivals. We've also scored 16 goals in 8 games. If anyone should be worried about their form, it's Chelsea and Man United. Not us.

[cobain]

What are you talking about?

[Cormack74]

For those of you criticising Rafa's decision to play Hypia; Five Live this morning reported that Agger had an injury.

[Reece]

For those of you criticising Rafa's decision to play Hypia; Five Live this morning reported that Agger had an injury.

What kind of excuse is that?

Sack Rafa!!!

[sonsofthedesert]

For those of you criticising Rafa's decision to play Hypia; Five Live this morning reported that Agger had an injury.

Some people wont let facts get in the way of their doom and anger.

[Craig_H]

Some people wont let facts get in the way of their doom and anger.

FLMAO... "doom and anger"

Get over it mate, people are a bit miffed that we dropped 2 points at Pompey when we probably didnt need to. Deal with it.

[Johnny]

Blaming Rafa for dropping players that make a difference is perfectly valid.

Supposing players who were omitted "Would" have made a difference against Pompeii is not though.

[CAD]

Bull****. Agger has no injury. Spin me a ****ing doctor...

[Johnny]

Bull****. Agger has no injury. Spin me a ****ing doctor...

Himself and Xabi are both getting foot scans today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sonsofthedesert]

FLMAO... "doom and anger"

Get over it mate, people are a bit miffed that we dropped 2 points at Pompey when we probably didnt need to. Deal with it.

You need to read what I posted again,it was in response to the Agger news which has no relevence to Pompey at the weekend.

[Craig_H]

Supposing players who were omitted "Would" have made a difference against Pompeii is not though.

They're more likely to make a positive goal threatening impact than Voronin or Momo.

[Craig_H]

You need to read what I posted again,it was in response to the Agger news which has no relevence to Pompey at the weekend.

Where does doom and anger come into it?