Post Match - Man City

[Exiled_red]

When is the final, in 2 weeks?

2nd leg you mean?

It's the 25th Jan

[Chris]

If the second leg is a hard fought, even game and we end up getting knocked out by the odd goal, or on away goals then the regret will centre around not putting Man City under the cosh when they were visibly struggling. Giving teams a chance to regroup and fight another day is dangerous; we haven't got a big lead and the tie is far from over.

This is absolutely daft, we played open there just last week and lost 3-0!! Cant believe theres complaints about a win at a team who always scored at home and had only lost 1 home game in the last year (and that was only because they went down to 10 after about 2 seconds)

[danperkins]

I'll take that, couldn't care less how we got it, been several games where we have dominated and got **** all.

As regards comments about Carrolls performance, it was a thankless task. He was loping around on his own deliver and support was non existent. But when he did get the ball he was very poor. Nothing working for Andy and not working for us, somethings got to give.

[BootRoom]

City have a lot less about them tactically than we do. They'll come to Anfield with a hung ho approach and will pay for it

I hope so. They've got to get at least 2 goals to beat us without going into pens, so let's hope we can exploit that fact.

[cream]

Nope, 2nd leg in 2 weeks.

Get the **** in! 1-0 up going into the final, at Anfield as well.

[Phil_Neal]

Yes, most things bar Carroll who was atrocious.

[Kenneth]

This is absolutely daft, we played open there just last week and lost 3-0!! Cant believe theres complaints about a win at a team who always scored at home and had only lost 1 home game in the last year (and that was only because they went down to 10 after about 2 seconds)

[BootRoom]

This is absolutely daft, we played open there just last week and lost 3-0!! Cant believe theres complaints about a win at a team who always scored at home and had only lost 1 home game in the last year (and that was only because they went down to 10 after about 2 seconds)

That would make sense if we started the game from the off in ultra-defensive mode, wary of the last result, but we didn't and took the game to them.

Plus they got the breaks in the last game with a Reina mistake gifting them an easy opener, up to which point we were well in the game, and a dubious pen when we got caught out after a sending off.

[Kenneth]

They made adjustments, but our adjustments to their adjustments were to basically adopt an ultra-defensive mindset and camp out near our own box in order to hold onto what we had. We had barely any counter-play save the odd break from their corners.

True, but it worked, so who gives?

[cream]

That would make sense if we started the game from the off in ultra-defensive mode, wary of the last result, but we didn't and took the game to them.

Plus they got the breaks in the last game with a Reina mistake gifting them an easy opener, up to which point we were well in the game, and a dubious pen when we got caught out after a sending off.

Chill out, we'll smash them at Anfield.

[BootRoom]

Chill out, we'll smash them at Anfield.

If we attack them I think we'll win; I'm just not a fan of inviting pressure.

[Norbs]

It would be better if Carroll did the things we need him to do well, rather than us playing well for the benefit of Carroll. Controlling the ball while running, it's difficult I know, but he should be able to do it by now. Holding the ball up and finding a teammate when it's played to him with his back to goal; it's not going to work all of the time, it's not easy as a lone striker like tonight, but some of the time would be useful.

I don't know mate, that's the point about my 'chicken and egg' thoughts about Carroll. I think he was bought as an out an out finisher, and he has a bit of the Robbie Keane's about his play. ie too much time to think and he has time for doubt to set in. He looked very good for short periods when we've attacked at pace and the ball has been moved quickly and crossed from deep. That doesn't happen enough though in reality and he can't be blamed for that.

Downing was clearly signed to supply those crosses and create chances for him, but Downing's not being given the ball early enough to utilise what he has in abundance which is pace and the ability to run on to the ball and cross it. I don't notice a huge amount but I have noticed that Adam's long cross field passes usually go diagonally from left to right (as it would from a left footer) and when Downing recieves the ball it's usually after Enrique has brought it over the half way line. He recieves the ball with his back to goal and has absolutely no idea what to do with it. What we need is for Gerrard to play the same sort of ball diagonally from right to left for Downing to run on to and then we might see a better attacking play from Carroll.

[Mostar]

Chill out, we'll smash them at Anfield.

The point is we don't have to, which is why this win is so important and our boys require much more recognition for their efforts tonight.

[Exiled_red]

This is absolutely daft, we played open there just last week and lost 3-0!! Cant believe theres complaints about a win at a team who always scored at home and had only lost 1 home game in the last year (and that was only because they went down to 10 after about 2 seconds)

[Norbs]

If we attack them I think we'll win; I'm just not a fan of inviting pressure.

Made the same comment to a mate by text during the game. Teams invite us to attack against them and we can't seem to break them down. It was frustrating to see us on the other side tonight, it made me feel inferior, but it did work thankfully.