Post match thread v Man City

[yamiedo]

Adam was good, he's getting better and if he keeps it up he will be key for us. Lucas played a blinder and deserved MOTM. Amazing the amount of headers he wins for his size, also muscled out Yaya Toure on many occasions. I have to say Lucas is just outstanding. We really deserved the 3 points. If it wasn't for Joe Hart we would have had it.

I also agree Henderson shouldn't have started, he should be used as a sub for now. Breed him into the side instead of throwing him into the deep end. Lets face it, we weren't full strength (Gerrard, Bellamy, Rodriguez) and we were better than Man City. That is very encouraging for the future. We just need the same commitment against the smaller teams. The age old problem.

[Zapater]

I have been critical of him, and I still don't like him, but for me this is Downings best game for us too. He criminally missed chances in good positions without testing the keeper, but he actually looked like he wanted the ball for once and made an effort to run at his fullback a few times. As I say I don't ever think he'll be good enough, but a change in his mentality makes him a much better player. Hopefully he'll play some brave football.

As others said, Lucas - the man was phenomenal today, it gives me a warm feeling inside thinking about the progress he's made. That challenge on Yaya Toure in the second half was his pinnacle for me.

[Gibbo]

Mario breaking the dressing room door after a row, wow

[Imy]

Mario Ballotelli going mental in the tunnel, damaged the dressing room door

[JohnDoe]

We create plenty of chances but we struggle to score and we clearly need to improve in that department and we need someone to give Suarez some assistance upfront.

A winger is a requirement but not priority.

Carroll should be the striker, and we should use him.

[kop-al-74]

We ****ed up big time there.They were there for the taking but we kept Henderson on the pitch who imo offers nothing,infact he messed up a few of our best moves.I'm sorry but Kenny messed this one up I'm afraid.

On a positive Adam and Lucas were immense and totally bossed the midfield.

[Buzzo]

We need a striker and preferably one with pace.

A girly looking Spanish one?

[Tribute]

Lucas was immense again, Enrique and Agger too. Still don't see enough from Henderson to merit a starting place. Downing still making poor decisions for me, Enrique making more telling crosses whereas Downing cutting back in far too much instead of hugging touchline. Disappointing for me, he's as big a disappointment as Carrol.

Adam getting better, but still ponderous and gets caught in possession too often. Would have put Maxi on for Henderson and convinced we would have take three points. Kuyt first touch still appalling...

Would have taken a point before the game. City made to look average...

[Exiled_red]

Something going on in the dressing room with Balotelli, away dressing room door was damaged according to Sky

[IN_RAFA_WE_TRUST]

Mario is detroying anfield

[Mostar]

Great game. We deserved 3 pts.

Lucas was boss.

I have to say that was one of his best performances I have ever seen.

He really matured and looks extremely comfortable with the passing, dribbling, defensive tasks etc. ..

I had doubts about his partnership with Adam but I have to admit they played really well together for the second game in the row.

[Pablo]

Reina was also ****ing superb today, practically 5 at the back!

[little dave hedgehog]

Henderson had a decent game, and he certainly helped us control midfield, but it would be nice to see him assert himself on the game a little more. He reminds me a little bit of what Lucas was like when he first signed.

truth.

he did ok in the rough and tumble, but he had a terrible day in the final 3rd. miscontrolled balls, passes and crosses to nobody.

seems like a confidence thing.

[Exiled_red]

Mancini saying Balotelli shouldn't have had a second yellow card.

[Mostar]

I have been critical of him, and I still don't like him, but for me this is Downings best game for us too. He criminally missed chances in good positions without testing the keeper, but he actually looked like he wanted the ball for once and made an effort to run at his fullback a few times. As I say I don't ever think he'll be good enough, but a change in his mentality makes him a much better player. Hopefully he'll play some brave football.

As others said, Lucas - the man was phenomenal today, it gives me a warm feeling inside thinking about the progress he's made. That challenge on Yaya Toure in the second half was his pinnacle for me.

I said something very similar in his thread.

I thought he had a very good second half and he was unfortunate again to come out of this game without any goals and assists.