Liverpool v Birmingham Post Match Thread

[DannyMan2006]

I dont think we changed the system / formation at all personally

It was 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 whatever way you want to look at it

The only thing that changed was Kuyt ended up on the wing, and it was not the kind of game we wanted or needed Kuyt on the wing. Maybe we would have done better had Stevie gone on the right, or brought Babel on for Kuyt.

[Imy]

Parts of that article I agree with, but a premiership game is a great way to highlight the cause and remind younger members of society that the only reason they are living in such a free civilised manner is down to the older generation who sacrificed all for a chance at peace.

I'm not disgusted we did not follow suit with 15 other clubs, but it is a chance missed IMO.

Before kickoff the two soldiers marched the giant poppy on to the pitch and placed it in the centre circle and they had the silence before the game.

[DannyMan2006]

Before kickoff the two soldiers marched the giant poppy on to the pitch and placed it in the centre circle and they had the silence before the game.

I know, I saw the game mate. Had we not done that I would have been disgusted. My question is what harm would have come from a poppy on the shirt? None. But it would have helped raise awareness of a just cause.

As I said, a chance missed.

[Shaggy]

Part of the reason Pepe is such a good keeper is that he prevents alot of shots coming in by being quick off his line and playing the 'sweeper-keeper' role, this reduces the number of shots the opposition have but doesn't tend to be counted as 'saves'. I think this could affect the stats somewhat.

Also I can't think of a single one of the goals we've conceded this season which has been Reina's fault

No I totally agree, I just think he's left so exposed time and time again. It's galling.

[paulc]

As Shaggy said in the other thread, I feel football is ruining me too this season. I've got an exam in 3 hours and I haven't ****ing slept the whole night, watched the match and was a bag of nerves.

most rediculous thing i ever heard!!

more important things in life!

[BG1973]

Well at least the rose tinted glasses brigade cannot say we still win the title. That one is put to bed and we can concentrate on champions league qualification and maybe the FA Cup.

Gerrard was inspirational. Thought Mascherano and Johnson were outstanding. Skrtel, Insua and Benayoun were average. I think Benayoun must make an impression in that game. He should have scored too. Dirk Kuyt was just getting in the way in the end. He is simply a wall to play a pass off I think. Thought he was poor. We should have won but our final ball into the box was too often overhit.

Rafa has never beaten Birmingham City in the Premier League.

How many goals and assists last season?

[Exiled_red]

No I totally agree, I just think he's left so exposed time and time again. It's galling.

I originally thought part of the problem was that we were playing with more attacking fullbacks, but that should be somewhat countered by the fact we are playing with two defensive minded midfielders. I think the problem is now due to players playing below their best and I'm wondering if our centre backs are commanding enough. Carragher and Agger are our best pairing but we haven't been able to get them together often enough

[Scratch]

Carragher and Agger

Twice?? Once against United, once against...Lyon away??

[Joe King]

How many goals and assists last season?

Why should that manner? He has been abysmal this season.

[Darkon]

How many goals and assists last season?

dunno about assists but he scored 15 goals in 51 games last season (all competitions)...

But that hardly changes the fact that he is simply not the player needed when a deep solid defense needs to be broken down. He far to often passes the ball directly back, and can't take on his direct opponent. Would love to see Johnson play that position - perhaps even taking Kuyt to the RB, think his qualities are much better used there.

[Exiled_red]

Why should that manner? He has been abysmal this season.

If there is clearly a player on better form it shouldn't, unfortunately no-one is playing well this season. What he did last season at least shows what he is capable of

[vonk]

How many goals and assists last season?

I've stated here before that he was exceptional last season. Exceptional, best in the premier league according to his stats. But let's talk about this season... in my opinion he has been our worst player.

On the flip side Johnson going forward is a beast. Incredible game for him last night. I really like the look of Kelly at RB too after the Lyon game, so what about dropping Dirk for a while and pushing Johnson to RW? Certainly Johnson is not the worlds greatest at defending and I think Kelly may be ready.

[BG1973]

Why should that manner? He has been abysmal this season.

Because Vonk says he is a wall to pass off while evidence clearly suggests he
has more to give.

I'm happy to oppose the predictably fickle fcukers doing the rounds.

[The Erectile Banana]

If there is clearly a player on better form it shouldn't, unfortunately no-one is playing well this season. What he did last season at least shows what he is capable of

Yes but the question is which is more indicative of the true Kuyt - last season's excellent form or this season's terrible form? If you look at his Liverpool career as a whole there's an arguement to be made that last season was an exception and his current form is a revertion to type.

[reds123]

Kuyt is a hard worker but with little creativity. He is Benitez's prefered player!