So, has our dip in form anything to do with Paco leaving?

[pezzzer]

rest stevie, england wore him and his toe out(thanks mcclown) perfect standby is lucas, give the new fish a chance and get stevie back to his world best

[stringy]

Not a popular opinion but our dip in form conincides with the return to the team of one Steven Gerrard. Villa aside, he's been a passenger and could do with a bit of rotating till he gets some semblance of form.

BTW I don't think that the Pako situation has helped, but just watch any of the recent games and I think you'll see a far bigger reason.

It is strange how our form has dipped since SG return.
But im sure its been mentioned 1000 times here start Torres!!!!

[marcus50bucks]

Xabi says he misses him and training is different, it must have affected morale in some way, what do you guys think?

It's make me laugh the way people add in their own little piece. Alonso never said training is different.

[El Jefecito]

It is strange how our form has dipped since SG return.
But im sure its been mentioned 1000 times here start Torres!!!!

Remember, Torres played against Porto and we were still crap. I don't the entire problem is down to not playing him. Our CM has provided almost no service recently. Everything has been coming down the flanks. NO penetration thru the middle at all.

All the opposition need to do then is double on the wingers and we are nullified.

[El Jefecito]

I agree strangely, Stevie has been poor in the last 2 games and did nothing when he came on against Pompey except one run, realistically with Xabi injured he cant be rotated as Mascher and momo would be a strange combo i think.

I'm a big big Momo fan. He's improved immensely this year, his passing and runs getting in front of the forwards have been top notch. If he can improve his shooting and final ball in the last 1/3rd, Him and Mascher will be the best combination.

[Revo]

Remember, Torres played against Porto and we were still crap. I don't the entire problem is down to not playing him. Our CM has provided almost no service recently. Everything has been coming down the flanks. NO penetration thru the middle at all.

All the opposition need to do then is double on the wingers and we are nullified.

check your pms mate

[Joe King]

Only time will tell

[El Jefecito]

You agree that SG needs a kick up the backside tho'?

[Dan]

You agree that SpeedyG needs a kick up the backside tho'?

Yes

[Joe King]

Gerrard needs to get off his high horse and roll his sleeves and get on with his ****ing role. Terry got a boot this week from Maureen, why shouldn't Gerrard? Gerrard seems to be more mature and is one who takes criticism to the heart. That'll teach him!

[Morph]

Something that doesn't seem to have been mentioned is Maschers woeful passing the last few games. He's been throwing the tackles in and they've been perfect, but his passing has been atrocious. When you've got a CM giving the ball away 50% of the time, you're going to find it hard to get going. I'm sure it's only temporary, but it's one of the many contributing factors I think

[Red Chilli]

Nowt to do with it IMO. If it had an impact it would be too soon to see it now.

[El Jefecito]

Something that doesn't seem to have been mentioned is Maschers woeful passing the last few games. He's been throwing the tackles in and they've been perfect, but his passing has been atrocious. When you've got a CM giving the ball away 50% of the time, you're going to find it hard to get going. I'm sure it's only temporary, but it's one of the many contributing factors I think

Check your facts first, of the front 6, El Jefecito had the best passing stats. 84% accurate passing (vs. the 50% that you made up). 54 of 64 passes.

Most of our crap passing came from Carra and Hyypia, they hoofed most of the game and the midfield was bypassed way too often.

Can't blame that on El Jefecito.

[The Glove]

Who or what is El Jefecito?

[Dan]

Mascher. Its his nickname and it means the little chief