Liverpool vs Steaua Bucharest: Match Thread

[badpiggy]

I think, even in a very ****e nervy 1st half, there was a notable difference in our tempo and just good ole fashioned forward passing and movement from our midfield tonight and Spearing was very much part of that. We're a long way off but signs were more encouraging tonight.

[Craig_H]

I only saw the second half and thought we were half decent for once, we weren't great but considering the manner we've started this season there's some positives to take out of this.

It's become clear to me that it's vital to continue in this competition for as long as possible, it will give us an opportunity to give fringe players/youngsters minutes as well as give us confidence and a knack for winning. Most of the opposition in this competition is reasonable, alas not quality so we should be winning. There's a lot less pressure on the players to play freely or for Roy to experiment than against lower half Premiership teams where people will go bonkers if we slip up.

Another thing is to keep the form/confidence of N'Gog up. We don't know when Torres will or won't be fit and Ngog could be thrusted into big and critical moments any time, so having him scoring goals and playing with confidence is important as he's a young player who is a fringe player but could be one of our pivotal points at any moment during the course of the season.

I must admit that I was a little surprised when Lucas scored that goal, and I'm not a Lucas hater like the 95% of the people on this forum. I saw Gerrard had a big smile in the stands, he enjoyed that one, it was reminiscent of some of his efforts. Although, it must be said it was a miscontrolled first touch which set up the opportunity to shoot, but boy did he hit it.

Dont be daft mate, not rating a player does NOT equate to 'hating' him. We're not 12.

[Fosterbloke]

My only problem with him is that he doesn't break lines when he is in the DM position, he just sits there all game. If he's playing with Gerrard, that's fine. But if he's playing with Poulsen (or Masch last season) he needs to get himself more involved up the field and give us an extra body in an offensive position.

It's just so annoying to know he can do it, yet he never does.

So you criticise him for not breaking lines but you'd smash him if he did this and the opposition scored when he was absent.

Why don't you consider the opposite view that he is excellent in keeping his position and doesn't stray from it.

We don't know what his instructions on the pitch are.

[banditos]

To be honest, I didn't think either he nor Kelly particularly shined tonight, but as I wasn't able to make it and had to watch on the telly I won't go overboard.

I thought Kelly showed signs of being the new Carra - which is great for our centre defence, but not so great as a full back. And I thought Spearing just looked out of his depth in the first half, but good in a dominant side in the second half...at 23 years old, who would he replace in the squad?

N'Gog is the one who befuddles me, to me he is an enigma. So much about him screams 'not good enough' but he keeps scoring goals, and as long as he's doing that he's worthy of his place in the squad...can't work out if he's going to become a top class player or another Milan Baros.

It looks like its a confidence issue with N'gog. He was a completely different player after scoring the pen. Presented himself more, took on defenders and scored a sceond.

[5europeancups]

It looks like its a confidence issue with N'gog. He was a completely different player after scoring the pen. Presented himself more, took on defenders and scored a sceond.

I think Ngog will turn out alright. He is quite similar in a way to Ian Rush, although he needs to work on his first touch when trying to hold the ball up.

Lets face it he has now scored six times and did prettty well last season based on the minutes he spent on the pitch.

[BobTheCharmer]

Spearing isnt good enough he needs to be sold and would think he's one of players hodgson was on about. I know he HG but he's never gonna be of a good enough standard he's just to small and not good enough on the ball.

sorry but I just can't agree with that.

Re-watch the match and keep an eye on spearing. He is constantly wanting the ball, he picks it up on the centre backs like an experienced player would and when he gets the ball he doesn't dwell on it, he's always looking to move the ball forward. He picked some lovely balls out yesterday. I'd love to see his pass completion because it must of been high. He plays the role he was in last night much better than Lucas. I think Spearing is a better player than Lucas in that Role. Unfortunately for Lucas his best role has Gerrard, Cole, RM ahead of him.

Another thing with Spearing is he has a good footballing brain and is always talking out on the pitch. The downsize is clearly his size. I think he's a ****ing good squad to player to have but ultimately for his own career he should look abroad, I think he'd carve out a very decent career overseas in a decent league where the lack of size and strength won't be such an issue.

I can see no reason for anyone to knock the lad.

[Fredo]

Spearing is not better than Lucas. He's had a cropper in the first half, losing possession and was the main culprit for their goal, though he slipped. He still kept at it and was much better in the second half. The time he plays like this (his second half performance) against better teams and on a consistent basis will be the time to laud him. I still don't think he's good enough though.

[Shaggy]

Did anyone here think Ngog was gonna score the pen? I gave an approximate 0% chance of scoring.

[Craig_H]

Heretic!

As of right now, N'Gog's better than Torres

[Fredo]

Did anyone here think Ngog was gonna score the pen? I gave an approximate 0% chance of scoring.

I thought he'd miss it. But he took it very well. He did absolutely nothing before then, was more of a nuisance to our game than theirs.

[BobTheCharmer]

Spearing is not better than Lucas. He's had a cropper in the first half, losing possession and was the main culprit for their goal, though he slipped. He still kept at it and was much better in the second half. The time he plays like this (his second half performance) against better teams and on a consistent basis will be the time to laud him. I still don't think he's good enough though.

In that holding role I think he is. Lucas is probably a better all rounder but too often playing in games like last nights, we've seen Lucas play the same role and do very little. He doesn't stamp his authority on a game. He doesn't take on enough responsibility.

Spearing had a good first half. Re-watch the bloody game. Yes he attempted a couple of passes that were intercepted, only because he was trying to move the ball quickly and forwards. Its easy to pass sideways. He reminds me of Murphy in that role for Fulham. Clever players with good footballing brains if not academic ones. His slip didn't help with their goal but I think the ball was beyond him already anyway. He was caught out postionally a few times but that comes with games. Ngog was ****ing dreadful first half.

Seriously re-watch that first half and you will find Spearing always making himself available for the ball. Thats a good trait. He didn't go missing.

[Shaggy]

Heretic!

As of right now, N'Gog's better than Torres

I like Ngog ...I just had no confidence in him for the pen at all.

[BobTheCharmer]

I like Ngog ...I just had no confidence in him for the pen at all.

I agree mate, I said to the wife he'll ****ing sidefoot it straight at the keeper.

[Pablo]

I think Ngog will turn out alright. He is quite similar in a way to Ian Rush, although he needs to work on his first touch when trying to hold the ball up.

Lets face it he has now scored six times and did prettty well last season based on the minutes he spent on the pitch.

Now I see why you generally don't post in the Liverpool FC section

[Pablo]

I agree mate, I said to the wife he'll ****ing sidefoot it straight at the keeper.

I bet you she was really interested