Our style of play

[Bender]

It would be much appreciated if people could stop having personal digs and discuss the topic at hand. Thanks

aye aye Captain

[little dave hedgehog]

go to hell, dave.

[RedReet]

This place is turning into RAWK.

[el matador]

Dont say that round here.

[The_weatherman]

I think the idea would be that whichever defender is in a position to do so will be encouraged to move into midfield and make angles for others. The key part is that the person on the ball always has options. In the end I think it likely that Agger will be the one that takes advantage of this freedom more than the others.

Was a sleep for most of the game, but I for one cant wait for Lucas, he is so important to our team, would love see Allen, Lucas and Henderson together, or even Suso for Hendo. A backup for Lucas is a must now.ö

Our defenders are not suited to the 532 IMO, with the exception of Agger.

[RedReet]

Why the **** are we so **** at throw-ins? Doesn't matter who the manager is or who is on the pitch, we always seem to waste too many throw-ins.

Been pissing me off for a while.

[Darkon]

Why the **** are we so **** at throw-ins set-pieces? Doesn't matter who the manager is or who is on the pitch, we always seem to waste too many throw-ins.

Been pissing me off for a while.

(P.S.) I know we scored from a corner yesterday, but our delivery on set-pieces have been poor for as long as I can remember. Even at the goal yesterday it wasn't laying particularly well, but it was great flick from Carra that gave the goal.

[RedReet]

I don't think we're that bad from set-pieces TBH. We scored the other week with a Suarez header from Gerrard FK too. Statistically I'd say we're as good as most other teams but we do seem to have those games when we get about 20 corners and never look like scoring.

I remember when Rafa was here and everyone was moaning about lack of goals from set-pieces and Gerrard's delivery despite teh fact we had score the most set-pieces in teh league.

[dww]

I don't think we're that bad from set-pieces TBH. We scored the other week with a Suarez header from Gerrard FK too. Statistically I'd say we're as good as most other teams but we do seem to have those games when we get about 20 corners and never look like scoring.

I remember when Rafa was here and everyone was moaning about lack of goals from set-pieces and Gerrard's delivery despite teh fact we had score the most set-pieces in teh league.

I think people think they are better opportunities than they are.

[Mattshark]

Was a sleep for most of the game, but I for one cant wait for Lucas, he is so important to our team, would love see Allen, Lucas and Henderson together, or even Suso for Hendo. A backup for Lucas is a must now.ö

Our defenders are not suited to the 532 IMO, with the exception of Agger.

We need more goals from midfield not less!

[baitman]

we are in danger of tika taka'ing our selves to death, but without much end product

too much fannying just for the sake of possession stats
players scared to lose the ball stifles creativity and the unexpected.
we will struggle to unlock teams that decide to get men behind the ball.

when we see other teams play nice passing football the triangles allow forward progression, players supporting the man on the ball, etc. we have players who will take a pass, return it to the guy who gave it, then just blindly run away from it as if the ball has got dog **** on it.

whats going on with "the plan" lads

[RedReet]

Anyone else worried about the way we set up defending corners leaving so much space on the edge of the box? We conceded against WBA on day one because of it and always look in danger of conceding after second balls always drop to the opposition on the edge of the box. The only one who’s ever close enough to close down is Raheem and his anticipation doesn’t seem that great at this stage, although obviously his pace is an advantage if we do break.

On Sunday we were left completely exposed by a short corner that was moved into that area.

[kalesh]

We might not be seeing quantitative improvement in comparison to Kenny’s or Hodgson’s teams, but I think it’s fair to say we’re seeing qualitative improvement (albeit stuttering). We all recognised that this season – and probably next – would be a season of transition, so it’s important to not lose sight of that whilst we find ourselves in the quagmire of a mid-season, mid-table struggle.

The difference between Brendan’s team – and Kenny’s and the Bodge’s before – is that you can detect the development of a distinct – and attractive – style of play. I’ve certainly enjoyed watching us more this year than I have for the last two seasons, even though the results have been similar. All this has been underpinned by a belief in young players, and that’s something that’s always guaranteed to excite fans.

You can see the signs of a good team developing, we just don’t have the players to implement it fully. The defence is getting tighter and we’ve cut out the mistakes that cost us goals at the start of the season. Yes, the midfield has looked porous and lacks shape, but Brendan’s teams are based on three high-energy midfielders pressing the ball. Gerrard can’t do that any more and – with the exception of Lucas, Allen and Henderson – we don’t have players suited to that game (although I’m hoping Shelvey’s physicality will enable him to take on the role). We’ve looked at our best when we’ve had more players like this in our line-up and I think Enrique’s performances in the last three games has been an example of this.

BR’s teams require a defensive high-line which helps compress play. At the start of the season, we were too fragmented and too deep, but this is improving. Rodgers also likes attacking full-backs that push up and cause the CBs to split. You need intelligent, mobile defenders that are good in one-on-one situations to make this work, and Agger and Skrtel are finally getting used to it. It’s also a fantastic way to get the most out of Johnson, one of our stand-out players and – with a solid RB like Wisdom who is equally comfortable at CB, it allows him to tuck in and make a more compact defence. Kelly would be equally suited to this role when he returns. It’s a change in system, so it’s bound to take time, but I think it’s working.

Where we are more obviously lacking is the transition from attack to defence. We look weak when we lose the ball up field as we lack shape and leave holes at the back. The return of Lucas will improve this but, ultimately, it’ll be a high-defensive line – close to the midfield – coupled with midfield players that actually track opposition runners from deep that will solve this.

The other problem is our inability to create lots of clear-cut chances – but I thought we created more against Swansea. We’ve looked most dangerous this year when we’ve had a high defensive line as it’s allowed the team to move forward as a unit.

So, in short, let’s not be too cynical. We need to remember that we’re in transition. Take a step-back and consider whether we’re improving. You might not agree, but I can certainly see what Rodgers is trying to do and, at the moment, I’m happy to go along with him.

[Lecter]

Agree with quite a lot of that post particularly the stuff about compressing the play and the transition between attack and defence

The one thing that has surprised is that early in the season (think post Arsenal game) Brendan did a piece were he dissected the goals in front of the media and blamed the problems on only one of his 3 midfielders sitting in front of the back 4. He basically blamed this on personnel (ie Lucas not playing) and said he would have to change it so 2 sat and 1 pushed on in order to compensate for the deficiencies defensively

Yet we havent seen that done often enough, or if it was intended it hasnt been put into practice

[kalesh]

I remember Rodgers mentioning that. The odd thing is that Gerrard has been played as the ‘second’ defensive midfielder alongside Allen. He doesn’t seem to have the legs for this role anymore and we’d be better playing him somewhere where he has to do less running, can conserve his energy and have more of an impact. I’d still like to see him tried in the front three and – if he is played in the midfield three – he needs to be at the apex. We need someone more disciplined in the two deep midfield roles. Until Lucas gets back, I’d go for Henderson or Sahin.