Spurs v Liverpool Match Thread

[DannyMan2006]

will they ever be? really?

Insua is ready. Ayala, though a long way off, did well when he came on. Spearing and Kelly made the bench and aren't too far off. It all depends on what you're asking for. If you want squad players then we already have them. If you want players for the first XI then we have one. If you want world class players then you could wait for ever and never see another like Steve Gerrard.

What you have to remember is this. Even if a player is good enough he will not ideally (In Rafas opinion) make the team until he is physichally ready. Firstly because you need to be a strong player capable of taking hits in the English League and secondly because young players tend to burn out too quickly and suffer late on if they are subjected to the league when they are not ready.

[Jaymo]

again torres isnt fit.. after another summer spent with the spanish national squad.. and next season (if hes still here) he wont be fit again, after the world cup.

gerrard is still injured.. carragher was a liability.

Lucas played well, as did Johnson and Reina.

Positives to come out the game.. It wasnt 6.

[ric.williams]

Lets be honest, its about time we started seeing the benefits of buying half of the schoolkids in europe. why aren't they stepping up to the plate?

i think we had one playin at left back today. it takes time sadly and many wont make the grade

[Bender]

Rafael Benitez reflected on the opening day 2-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur and admitted his team must improve.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto fired Spurs ahead with a fantastic strike but Steven Gerrard equalised from the penalty spot after superb play from debutant Glen Johnson.

However, Harry Redknapp's charges got the all important goal when Sebastien Bassong headed home from a Luka Modric free-kick.

The manager was unhappy with the first half display but felt his side showed more attacking threat in the second period.

"We didn't play well, especially the first half, but we were much better in the second half," said Rafa.

"We pushed harder and had more options in the final third, but clearly we have to improve if we want to win these kind of games.

"We have to improve in the middle and keep the ball more and pass it better. The understanding has to be better. As a team we were not comfortable in possession in the first half.

"We were playing against a good team so we knew we needed to play well. We didn't but we have another game on Wednesday against Stoke and we have to improve."

Asked if he felt his side should have been awarded two late penalties, the boss admitted: "I think everybody could see, especially the challenge on Voronin. It was so clear. You could maybe say the second incident was ball to hand, but the first one was clear."

Another worry for the boss was the fitness of centre halves Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher after the pair clashed heads in the first half.
Carragher continued with a bandage around his head while Skrtel also tried to play on before eventually being replaced by Spanish youngster Daniel Ayala.

Asked about Skrtel and Carragher's condition, Benitez added: "Martin wanted to continue. We were a little bit worried but he did well. We had to change him in the end because he had a problem. He has had stitches.

"Carra also needed stitches so we will have to see how they are for Wednesday's game."

[Shaggy]

That was one of the worst benches I can remember us having. You have to assume Riera, Ngog and Degen were all injured.

Our strongest XI is good but we have no options to change a game and we all know it's a squad game. Without a signing or two, we haven't a prayer IMO.

[DannyMan2006]

Really

We're ****ed if those two are our CM pairing.

I think massiveredfan must be taking the piss.

Aquilani will play between Gerrard and Mascherano/Lucas according to Rafa, but can also cover for Gerrard if really needed too.

[JohnDoe]

edit: already posted

[Exiled_red]

i did say sorry for posting it.

just wanted to see how you lot would react to what was said

Gerrard and Torres - had quiet games
Mascherano - not sure what they're on about
Babel - was poor
Benayoun - probably was our best player
Carragher - was unlucky with the incident, things like this happen from time to time
Reina - did save us from embarassment today with some good saves but that's what keepers are there for.

[Fierce]

I wonder what Manchester United fans are saying about us, anyone know? Been on my mind since the 26th minute

[Shaggy]

Tell you what, I'd almost forgotten what it was like to lose. I'd forgotten how much **** performances hurt. I spent almost all of that game, from about the 10th minute onwards, in a ****ing foul mood and by the end was ready to smash something up. Sometimes I hate football. **** off.

[DannyMan2006]

Lucas played well,

"We have to improve in the middle and keep the ball more and pass it better. The understanding has to be better. As a team we were not comfortable in possession in the first half.

Sorry Jaymo, but according to Rafa Benitez he did not. And I have to agree with him.

The team was that poor so I guess he wasn't any worse than any other player, but he and Mascherano were dominated by Palacious and Huddlestone in the middle of the park.

[DannyMan2006]

Tell you what, I'd almost forgotten what it was like to lose. I'd forgotten how much **** performances hurt. I spent almost all of that game, from about the 10th minute onwards, in a ****ing foul mood and by the end was ready to smash something up. Sometimes I hate football. **** off.

[Bender]

"We have to improve in the middle and keep the ball more and pass it better. The understanding has to be better. As a team we were not comfortable in possession in the first half. ? more than a passing reference to xabi alonso

[Morv2en77]

benni made the diff when he came on....'good' is an understatement....

[Exiled_red]

Tell you what, I'd almost forgotten what it was like to lose. I'd forgotten how much **** performances hurt. I spent almost all of that game, from about the 10th minute onwards, in a ****ing foul mood and by the end was ready to smash something up. Sometimes I hate football. **** off.