Spurs v Liverpool Match Thread

[DannyMan2006]

"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

I would say it was more a passing reference to those who played in the game and in particular those who played in midfield for us.

[DannyMan2006]

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

It only looked like he made the difference because Spurs decided to drop back and allow us space. Voronin also looked good when he came on, one aimless chip into the box apart. He took up some very good positions and was unlucky to get fouled in the pen incident as he probably have scored.

It would have been exactly the same had Babel and Kuyt been brought on for Yossi and Voronin.

[FatTony]

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

Yep, the addition of Degen on the bench would've made it look a lot better

[Shaggy]

Yep, the addition of Degen on the bench would've made it look a lot better

I've been majorly on Degen's case because he's looked absolute garbage thus far, but the fact is he's an international footballer with some experience. We had three largely untried kids on the bench today - three kids, incidentally, none of whom I think are good enough. Kelly might turn out to be a player in fairness - he looks good - but a few months ago he was playing for Huddersfield.

Either way, Degen and Ngog haven't shown anything for us so it just goes to show how thin on quality the squad is. Depressing.

[DannyMan2006]

I've been majorly on Degen's case because he's looked absolute garbage thus far, but the fact is he's an international footballer with some experience. We had three largely untried kids on the bench today - three kids, incidentally, none of whom I think are good enough. Kelly might turn out to be a player in fairness - he looks good - but a few months ago he was playing for Huddersfield.

Either way, Degen and Ngog haven't shown anything for us so it just goes to show how thin on quality the squad is. Depressing.

I think Spearing will make it and did well in pre-season. We had Kelly and Ayala on the bench because there was doubts over both the centre backs and Agger was not fit to play. Spearing is the obvious choice for sub center mid due to Aquilani being unfit.

Dossena was there because he can cover LB and LW and Voronin and Yossi because between them they cover the front four. As Kelly can play RB we had the whole of the first XI covered for injuries.

[JohnDoe]

I am totally depressed. Think I'll go get wasted after the 100m.

[Rigadon]

One of the worst performances by a Liverpool team during the last two or three years. We were awful.

That was poor. Carra and Skrtle never recovered from that clash of heads, we were a mess back there.

Benayoun and Agger are going to be really key players for us, and distribution a massive issue unless Aquilani really takes to the league.

Only consolation I suppose is we're no worse off in like for like from last season.

‘Was thinking about our distribution (after the game) and I completely agree with you that Benayoun and Agger will be key players this season. (Until Agger and Aquilani are fit) I’d be tempted to play Mascherano as our only holding midfielder and play Benayoun and Gerrard behind Torres.

[Shaggy]

I am totally depressed.

So am I.

Trying to be positive, our next 6 games are totally winnable. I know it's early but they're must-win. All of them. 18 points out of 21 would be fantastic.

[Rigadon]

It's not the end of the world. We had a very tough away match for a start, the toughest of the lot so we should look at things a little bit in perspective. I think we need another centre forward or someone like Silva (which we won't get) to add that little bit of creativity. Our midfield does not control games like we did before (we sold Alonso), and at away games it is crucial we do that. We started controlling things as soon as Gerrard moved back in midfield. Lucas and Mascher are a little bit too pedestrian.

Bloody hell. Constructive criticism from Fredo.

Moreover, I agree with you.

[Slinky Skills]

That was a poor performance today all over the pitch, and we actually deserved to loose. We had massive trouble getting the ball around the pitch, and coupled with poor defending we where bound to loose.

Hopefully Aquilani can improve on this, because Lucas is not showing that he can take on the playmaker role alonso had.

What, based on one match FFS.

Jesus christ give him so slack mate and give him a chance. It was a wank result and not the best of starts. Yossi was quality when he came on, really positive with his play, very relaxed and showed some good play. Reina was good too, could do nothing about them goals mind cracking goals and credit to Tottenham too, they played us at our own game.

I'm a bit worried about the fitness of the players. Torres looked zonked as did most of the team which isn't good. In pre-season he hardly played and hardly any of the first 11 played during the bulk of pre-season bar the last few games. They should have been playing from the start regardless of whether they've been in the Confederations Cup or whatever.

Not going to jump on the babdwagon just yet but I can't help but feel that this may be a hard season. We missed the boat last season and totally ****ed it up. Last season was our chance and it's gone.

We really need some big money in the club so that Rafa can get in all the playes that he needs.

**** **** ****

[DannyMan2006]

So am I.

Trying to be positive, our next 6 games are totally winnable. I know it's early but they're must-win. All of them. 18 points out of 21 would be fantastic.

Delighted we have a game on Wednesday. Get this defeat out the system. Beat Skoke and we are doing better than last year in like for like games.

[Rigadon]

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.

Rafa’s not above criticism on this point. He should be able to change things during a game (our strongest 11 are good enough to adapt). He decides his tactics and picks his team to execute those tactics (and 8 times out of 10 he gets it right) but when things aren’t going to plan, IMO, he doesn’t seem to know what to do.

[Bender]

if anything the stoke game will be as hard if not harder.....remember last seasons game against them 0-0 and 0-0

[DannyMan2006]

if anything the stoke game will be as hard if not harder.....remember last seasons game against them 0-0 and 0-0

At Anfield and against Stoke we will see a much different game. I think our team is set up better this year to win that type of game.

[Frenchie]

I am totally depressed. Think I'll go get wasted after the 100m.

9.58 Bolt wow