Liverpool vs Steaua Bucharest: Match Thread

[banditos]

The worrying thing, is that we've only done this against dross opposition in the Eurodisney Cup.

True, but passing, movement and closing down were completely absent against Birmingham, so its nice to see it back. Keep in mind that Roy hasn't had a huge amount of time to work with a lot of the players.

[JohnDoe]

If Lucas plays like he did tonight (albiet only for 15 mins) more regularly, then it might not be too bad a CM.

Lucas usually looks good against European minnows and Newcastle, I wouldn't base my opinion on these games. The mancs are going to have most of the ball though, so it may suit him.

I still want Meireles to play with one of Lucas/Poulsen.

[Craig_H]

True, but passing, movement and closing down were completely absent against Birmingham, so its nice to see it back. Keep in mind that Roy hasn't had a huge amount of time to work with a lot of the players.

Point i was making, was that maybe it was back tonight because we were playing a ****e side?

And yes, he hasnt had much time to work with them, but in the opening round of the eurodisney, he'd had even less time - but the pressing and passing/movement was there then.

So maybe we struggle to do it in the league games because we can only do it against pure ****e.

[JohnDoe]

So maybe we struggle to do it in the league games because we can only do it against pure ****e.

This is where I'm leaning. We're a poor side, but when playing against a poorer side, we'll look better.

[Shaggy]

**** first half, 2nd best again and I was pretty concerned.

Much better 2nd half and a great result in the end with that XI, although 4-1 was a bit flattering. We need to create more chances - first three goals were a gift, a dodgy penalty and a long ranger. If we start creating actual chances we'll be very dangerous.

Made up for Ngog and Lucas.

Babel and Maxi, so disappointing.

Touch disappointed with Meireles' passing but overall he does look a very good player. Shows for the ball always, two good feet and seems very authoritative. The presence of him Cole - who can also do a lot better - makes us much stronger.

[Vermilion]

Point i was making, was that maybe it was back tonight because we were playing a ****e side?

And yes, he hasnt had much time to work with them, but in the opening round of the eurodisney, he'd had even less time - but the pressing and passing/movement was there then.

So maybe we struggle to do it in the league games because we can only do it against pure ****e.

This is where I'm leaning. We're a poor side, but when playing against a poorer side, we'll look better.

[little dave hedgehog]

do we still think that raul is left footed?

[banditos]

Point i was making, was that maybe it was back tonight because we were playing a ****e side?

And yes, he hasnt had much time to work with them, but in the opening round of the eurodisney, he'd had even less time - but the pressing and passing/movement was there then.

So maybe we struggle to do it in the league games because we can only do it against pure ****e.

Your glass is half empty Craig.

We were **** in the first half tonight, then picked it up. Second half was the best we've played under Roy. Make of it what you will.

[Craig_H]

Although, being able to press should be a given anyway - whoever you play against.

Maybe, against better sides, we're too scared and lack the confidence to press.

[Craig_H]

Your glass is half empty Craig.

We were **** in the first half tonight, then picked it up. Second half was the best we've played under Roy. Make of it what you will.

It's not just me mate.

The best we've played under Roy = played against a **** side.

Coincidence?

[Shaggy]

25,000 crowd.

[pondus]

It's been a while since I enjoyed watching football, so this second half was just what I needed. Hopefully the "first" team can play more like this, pressing all over the pitch, movement up front. Meireles looks like a very good midfielder, and Cole brings something special to our attacking play. A bit more positive about our season now, maybe we'll even see a good first half performance soon!!

[Craig_H]

25,000 crowd.

Excellent. Shame it wasnt 15,000.

[banditos]

It's not just me mate.

The best we've played under Roy = played against a **** side.

Coincidence?

Quite possibly. I saw progress tonight, but I guess only time will tell if I'm right.

[lancinleeds]

Quite possibly. I saw progress tonight, but I guess only time will tell if I'm right.

I am hoping things will pick up as fitness improves and the squad starts to gel. Having Cole in adds some zip to our forward play even if everything doesn't always come off. Can't wait to see out first XI play a run of games together and see it all bed in