Third place anyone?

[gerbin11]

So Craig a direct question. Do you think Gerrard has the pace, power and experience to be a threat on a Liverpool counter attack?

[Craig_H]

So Craig a direct question. Do you think Gerrard has the pace, power and experience to be a threat on a Liverpool counter attack?

I think the most likely danger on the counter attack for a side playing 4231, is usually the lone striker.

Of course Gerrard can be A threat on the break, but given that he's likely to be our most likely protagonist from a creative point of view, there'll also be a major onus on the striker in that system to consistently threaten (and score) the goal(s), as it's not unfair to assume that SG will probably be responsible for producing a significant percentage of any potential 'killer balls'.

Gerbin, a direct question for you too - do you think everything is always so black and white, or is it just on this occasion that you're opting for such a simplistic outlook?

[gerbin11]

I believe that the way at getting at Arsenal is on the flanks. Look how effective Nani and Evra were against them. Look at how Malouda and Cole did so well against them. This means, as these sets of players operate on opposite sides of the pitch that they have issues in width in general.

This is why in the build up thread I suggested both Maxi and Gerrard playing wide and exposing this weakness with both N'Gog and Kuyt up front to bolster the attack.

So in answer to your question I don't think black and white. Neither do I answer questions with questions. I also try to answer a question in one post, maybe this explains the massive discrepancy in the number of times we each of us post.

[Redspin]

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

The first Drogba goal against Arsenal? If that's what you're talking about, it wasn't an attack. It was a corner kick that he got on the end of a flick on from Terry, so it was a set-piece rather than an attack

[Craig_H]

I believe that the way at getting at Arsenal is on the flanks. Look how effective Nani and Evra were against them. Look at how Malouda and Cole did so well against them. This means, as these sets of players operate on opposite sides of the pitch that they have issues in width in general.

This is why in the build up thread I suggested both Maxi and Gerrard playing wide and exposing this weakness with both N'Gog and Kuyt up front to bolster the attack.

So in answer to your question I don't think black and white. Neither do I answer questions with questions. I also try to answer a question in one post, maybe this explains the massive discrepancy in the number of times we each of us post.

Well Gerrard's never going to be played wide, and Maxi isnt particularly quick anyway.

[gerbin11]

In response to Redspin. I was trying to be careful in the way i phrased "attack' so as to incorporate a set piece 'attack'

Craig, I ventured an opinion. I did not mean for you to take it as a statement that I believed it would happen. I suspect Gerrard will continue to play as in most other games. As a support striker, just off N'Gog (see I could have tried to wind you up and say Babbel). This may go some way to him being a threat on the counter though might it?

[Craig_H]

In response to Redspin. I was trying to be careful in the way i phrased "attack' so as to incorporate a set piece 'attack'

Craig, I ventured an opinion. I did not mean for you to take it as a statement that I believed it would happen. I suspect Gerrard will continue to play as in most other games. As a support striker, just off N'Gog (see I could have tried to wind you up and say Babbel). This may go some way to him being a threat on the counter though might it?

He'll be 'A' threat, as i've said. I'd expect the striker to be the most likely/frequent goalscoring threat though.

Why would the idea of Markus Babbel wind me up?

[gerbin11]

And you call me a pedant

[Craig_H]

And you call me a pedant

It was joke.

[gerbin11]

woooooosh.........................what breeze

[leftpeg]

Obviously, that's been a major problem this season. That's why I said if. And it is a very big if. But, at least for a couple of days, I'm going to feel positive about our situation.

[Chrono]

We still need this thread?

[Bender]

Third place anyone? fact we couldn't beat an Arsenal side whipped by cheslsea and utd proves we don't deserve third nor are we capable of getting third

[Craig_H]

Or maybe we just didnt have 3 major attacking threats available?

Would the mancs have won without Rooney and Nani?

[Bender]

no i think this thread wasn't needed and we just got a little too excited.......yes being without Torres is/was a problem but Arsenal have been without Fabregas and van persie ....think we need to focus on consolidating 4th spot as there are numerous teams within catching distance .......also there are still too many players still of form which doesn't help