Third place anyone?

[gerbin11]

We can contain them and frustrate them, but when it comes to hitting them on the counter, we lack the necessary tools to make it count. N'Gog's quick, but not powerful enough, clinical enough or experienced enough to hurt them.

.

Isn't Gerrard quick powerful and experienced?

[Vermilion]

http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/127939-liverpool-fc-legend-jan-molby-confident-of-3rd-place-finish-ahead-of-arsenal-test.html

Liverpool FC legend Jan Molby confident of 3rd place finish
by Richard Buxton. Published Tue 09 Feb 2010 10:06, Last updated: 2010-02-09

Anfield hero Jan Molby believes that Liverpool can start their bid for a third-place finish in the Barclays Premier League with a win against Arsenal.

Fresh from securing bragging rights over local rivals Everton at the weekend, the Reds travel to the Emirates Stadium for tomorrow's high-profile encounter. Ex-Denmark international Molby believes that a win over Arsene Wenger's side could act as a catalyst for an assult on the top three rather than scraping fourth spot.

Five points currently separate the two sides but a win for the Anfield outfit would reduce the gap to just two points and extend their unbeaten record to eight consecutive matches.

Molby, who played for Liverpool between 1985 and 1996, said: "I think they can go to Arsenal full of confidence. The results Liverpool have had mean they can feel they have a good chance against any team, but I think it is a good time to play Arsenal. I think Arsenal are doubting themselves at the moment after their own recent run.

"To win at Arsenal is always a big ask, but if Liverpool were to win then the gap is only two points, and it would be interesting to see how Arsenal would respond if that were to happen. Could they react? Would they crumble?

"Liverpool are clawing their way back into form. The football is not sensational - even against Everton - but they have found some heart and some fight, and that was perhaps lacking previously.

"The defensive side is back to what it used to be - which is spot on - and that really helps. If you are not conceding goals then you are always in with a chance, and Liverpool are not conceding goals at the moment."

Molby also paid tribute to Dirk Kuyt after he netted his 50th Liverpool goal in the 1-0 win over Everton last Saturday. The 46-year-old was full of praise for the Dutchman's work ethic and ability to provide both goals and assists.

He added: "I've always been a fan of Dirk. He's had a bit of a bad time, but now he is doing what he does best.

"He is all about energy and getting into the box, producing the goods and scoring goals, and Liverpool are all the better for it."

[Craig_H]

Isn't Gerrard quick powerful and experienced?

When does Gerrard play as a lone striker?

[gerbin11]

We've been so defensively sound of late, completely organised at the back and brilliantly drilled. Arsenal's last two games against United and Chelsea have exposed how difficult they find it to play through such a defensive setup.

We're perfectly equipped to go and do that to them, as did Chelsea and United.

Our only problem is that, without Nando, we lack that thrust, power and pace to hurt them on the counter.

United had Rooney - powerful, quick and clinical.

Chelsea had Drogba - exactly the same.

We have Nando - but he's out. That's where we'll struggle.

We can contain them and frustrate them, but when it comes to hitting them on the counter, we lack the necessary tools to make it count. N'Gog's quick, but not powerful enough, clinical enough or experienced enough to hurt them.

It's a real shame, because at full strength, we could've gone there and turned them over.

Where do you mention the player has to be a lone striker?

[gerbin11]

When does Gerrard play as a lone striker?

Doesn't answer my question either.

[Craig_H]

Where do you mention the player has to be a lone striker?

Ok mate, in a 4231 formation, the person with the biggest responsibility to produce the most attacking threat & goals, is obviously the left back...

[gerbin11]

Now you are just being facetious, and still avoiding the question. Which I think is quite reasonable.

[wildman]

Remember we were in basically the weakest ****ing group in the CL and still managed to **** it up royally.

er no we weren't

[Craig_H]

Now you are just being facetious, and still avoiding the question. Which I think is quite reasonable.

It was quite obvious what i was saying, and i think you're just being facetious and pedantic when you know exactly what i mean...but ok, well let's have a look at which players hurt Arsenal the most on the break, for Chelsea and United...

Rooney - lone central striker
Drogba - lone central striker

Seeing a pattern?

[magicalbarnes]

It was quite obvious what i was saying, and i think you're just being facetious and pedantic when you know exactly what i mean...but ok, well let's have a look at which players hurt Arsenal the most on the break, for Chelsea and United...

Rooney - lone central striker
Drogba - lone central striker

Seeing a pattern?

Sorry but thats a load of rubbish, even by your standards.

Firstly i thought ManU's most effective player against Arsenal was Nani. Secondly it doesnt have to be a striker that provides the 'thrust and power'. Last year for ManU it would have been Ronaldo, infact it was in the Champions League Semi-final.

Gerrard has more than enough in his locker to match Rooney & Drogba's performance.

[Craig_H]

So Gerrard is going to be on the end of our counter attacks then?

[gerbin11]

It was quite obvious what i was saying, and i think you're just being facetious and pedantic when you know exactly what i mean...but ok, well let's have a look at which players hurt Arsenal the most on the break, for Chelsea and United...

Rooney - lone central striker
Drogba - lone central striker

Seeing a pattern?

Yes your inability to answer a simple question that heaven forbid should actually call into doubt what you are trying to say.

[gerbin11]

So Gerrard is going to be on the end of our counter attacks then?

Im sure the first Drogba goal wasn't from him leading a counter attack but being 'part' of an attack.

[Craig_H]

Yes your inability to answer a simple question that heaven forbid should actually call into doubt what you are trying to say.

If your 'simple question' was the "Where do you mention the player has to be a lone striker?" piece of genius, then i didnt mention it in the original post no, because i thought that it was pretty obvious that, in a 4231 system, the most frequent and likely goal threat, would be the lone striker.

[Craig_H]

Im sure the first Drogba goal wasn't from him leading a counter attack but being 'part' of an attack.

This is true, it came from a corner.

And corners are things which we're consistently scoring goals from eh?