Marseille v Liverpool match thread

[Craig_H]

Thought we got outplayed in the 2nd half but still created 2 or 3 great chances, Babel should've had a hat trick.

Not worried about the performance, Saturday obviously took its toll on us energy-wise and it showed, with even Kuyt and Mascherano looking jaded.

3 away points though, cant ask for much more.

Reina is immense.

[Craig_H]

Which is basically what I think. Very poor tonight, but I do think he has potential.

I think he's been average at best since we signed him, but it's also partly down to the position he's playing. He's too lightweight and weak to be a holding midfielder and it's clear to see that it's not a natural or comfortable position for him.

[Rashid]

Hijjawi YOU ARE A LEGEND, thanks mate.

[Shaggy]

Thought we got outplayed in the 2nd half but still created 2 or 3 great chances, Babel should've had a hat trick.

Not worried about the performance, Saturday obviously took its toll on us energy-wise and it showed, with even Kuyt and Mascherano looking jaded.

3 away points though, cant ask for much more.

Reina is immense.

Add to that the internationals beforehand. Understandably laboured at times but no worries - Xabi, Keane and others to come into the side on Saturday and we batter Stoke.

[Woobus]

There are some who think Lucas is better than Xabi!

Very few would agree with that, more likely they were defending Lucas from unfair criticism. Whats up cant attack Rafa now so go after the players?
I remember Alonso had a stinker in his first Euro match this season, along with the rest of the team. How about we give Lucas a couple of matches and hope he gets his act together like Xabi has?

[Reece]

Babel should've had a hat trick.

Without wanting to reopen a tiresome debate, if Kuyt had missed those chances, especially the one at almost point blank, then I'm sure a few on here would be lambasting him.

Such an underused word lambasting.

Lambasting.

[Craig_H]

Add to that the internationals beforehand. Understandably laboured at times but no worries - Xabi, Keane and others to come into the side on Saturday and we batter Stoke.

Precisely. No team is going to have its own way every game, sometimes you WILL have to toil a bit. The difference between top sides and also rans is that the top sides win games even when they're toiling.

[Rashid]

Whats up cant attack Rafa now so go after the players?

Attacking the needless signing of Lucas is an attack on Rafa - and there is a whole season left mate - a win against United doesn't mean Rafa has cracked it or he gets a new contract. We were woeful today too...

[Reece]

I think he's been average at best since we signed him, but it's also partly down to the position he's playing. He's too lightweight and weak to be a holding midfielder and it's clear to see that it's not a natural or comfortable position for him.

I agree it's not his natural position, and certainly not where he made his name for himself in Brazil. I have seen some promising performances for him I'm sure, but he does need to step it up somewhat. Would be interesting though to see how he'd perform in a more advanced role.

[Craig_H]

Without wanting to reopen a tiresome debate, if Kuyt had missed those chances, especially the one at almost point blank, then I'm sure a few on here would be lambasting him.

Such an underused word lambasting.

Lambasting.

The problem is though, that Babel is a constant threat and i'd put his missed chances down to a bit of inexperience and a still developing sense of footballing intelligence. You cant use those excuses for Dirk Kuyt.

[Shaggy]

Without wanting to reopen a tiresome debate, if Kuyt had missed those chances, especially the one at almost point blank, then I'm sure a few on here would be lambasting him.

Such an underused word lambasting.

Lambasting.

In fairness even Dirk would escape criticism for the 'miss' you highlight - that was a ****ing remarkable save.

FWIW I thought Dirk was pants tonight but he looked understandably leggy. Same as Masher.

[Craig_H]

I agree it's not his natural position, and certainly not where he made his name for himself in Brazil. I have seen some promising performances for him I'm sure, but he does need to step it up somewhat. Would be interesting though to see how he'd perform in a more advanced role.

He wont really get that opportunity though, realistically.

[Shaggy]

Attacking the needless signing of Lucas is an attack on Rafa - and there is a whole season left mate - a win against United doesn't mean Rafa has cracked it or he gets a new contract. We were woeful today too...

'woeful' is a gargantuan exaggeration.

[Reece]

FWIW I thought Dirk was pants tonight but he looked understandably leggy. Same as Masher.

Oh I agree, and I thought it was a good save on Saturday too.

[Rashid]

I look at the passing, movement and quality of football and for me that was ale house tonight.