Villa v Liverpool game thread

[ronniedrew]

i actually thought we did pretty well in that half. we were the better team for the most part

just need to be better in the final third. come on the lads, a very win-able game

[JohnDoe]

Tough match, Torres' pace is nullified in this weather. Never expected Aquilani to have a good match today. We're a bit too wasteful in possession. These are the type of games which usually go against us. Villa are a bit more comfortable in these conditions.

[dww]

Disgusting officiating once again. Milner gets a free kick for falling over, a stone wall penalty just ignored and Lucas booked for nothing. Absolutely sick of these cunts.

As was Dunne. Given the conditions the tackling by both sides has been good from my point of view and no bookings have really been warranted.

[Chris]

As was Dunne. Given the conditions the tackling by both sides has been good from my point of view and no bookings have really been warranted.

You cant be serious?! He went straight through Lucas!

[certifiable]

Kuyt's been pretty poor, but then we all know his first touch can be abysmal in normal conditions so never likely to be upto much in the that weather!

Insua, Stevie and Aqua I think playing reasonably well.
Johnson doesn't seem to want to get forward or is been prevented by villa, and is being turned quite easily on the flanks.
Carra and Agger think are coping well with Carew.
Torres not in it.

Think if Stevie, Benny, Aqua and Torres can get a few passing moves together in final third we'd be laughing.

[Mattshark]

Thought he has been as good as anyone to be honest. If no one was protecting Johnson then we would be in real trouble.

I think too many people have made their mind up about Kuyt before he even plays.

[Lee]

Bit unfair. The conditions are terrible. Both teams can't really get it together.
Think Torres still isn't fully at the races however.

Hmm not sure it's that unfair mate, I mean we get into the final third and then look clueless.

Agree conditions really aren't helping and Torres looks lethargic... though in saying that hopefully he'll grab a few in the second half

[dww]

On the Insua topic - what do people think he has done wrong? He was being blatantly targeted at the start and had no cover from Benayoun but as the half went on other than long balls little was built down his flank.

[Lee]

On the Insua topic - what do people think he has done wrong? He was being blatantly targeted at the start and had no cover from Benayoun but as the half went on other than long balls little was build down his flank.

Insua has done well in my opinion, one of our better players.

[dww]

You cant be serious?! He went straight through Lucas!

Definite foul but I didn't think it was particularly bad.

[certifiable]

On the Insua topic - what do people think he has done wrong? He was being blatantly targeted at the start and had no cover from Benayoun but as the half went on other than long balls little was built down his flank.

I agree wholeheartedly, he was defo been targetted and has coped very well, as well as offering something going forward and cutting inside.
In fact, for his age, and the conditions, and considering he was targetted from the start, he's prob been our best player of the 45 minutes.

[lickedlollipop]

Thought he has been as good as anyone to be honest. If no one was protecting Johnson then we would be in real trouble.

i'm not saying he sucks,... it's just he's the same kuyt..

[super_xabi]

On the Insua topic - what do people think he has done wrong? He was being blatantly targeted at the start and had no cover from Benayoun but as the half went on other than long balls little was built down his flank.

Thats the problem with playing Benny out wide - he doesnt stay there and always drifts infield. this always exposes whichever fullback is behind him

[MrMichael]

Thats the problem with playing Benny out wide - he doesnt stay there and always drifts infield. this always exposes whichever fullback is behind him

Yup, I like Benayoun but he's no left winger. Although Riera hasn't been that consistent for us when he plays it feels like we have better shape on that side. Benayoun (or Babel etc) and that shape is somewhat missing.

[Bender]

Aquilani takes out an iraqi fighter plane with that pass/cross