Our style of play

[danperkins]

Without a designated creative midfielder, we look lacking. If Shaq is that player we need him in. Perhaps keita can do that job too?

IMO he's by far the best option we have, we left ourselves short there which is not really a shocker with LFC. But Klopp seems to be reluctant to play Shaq regularly even though we do seem a better attacking side with him in it.

[BG1973]

Could be many factors but main one is I think is 90% of PL teams are now parking the bus against us.

Yet unlike last season we are keeping clean sheets so are not conceding the first goal which then made the bus a double decker. We dropped points in lots of games we dominated last season. Hasn’t happened once so far this season.

We are having to adapt - in another 6 months out play will probably evolve into something else. Something possibly better than we’ve seen so far.

A David Silva player would be very welcome to help that.

On Shaq, I think all managers would like that kind of quality and power as an option from the bench against tired legs. I think that’s a reason Klopp is reluctant to play all his big guns from kick off. Leaves him short of options to affect the game later if needed.

[Rigadon]

Last season, we played with a rather vanilla midfield (not much attacking intent) with Firmino playing the creative central attacking role. This season, our midfielders are playing with more ambition (higher up, more purpose) - especially when Keita and/or Shaqiri play (Wijnaldum and Milner have also shown glimpses of being more attack minded). This has changed the dynamic of the front three - especially Firmino's role.

[danperkins]

Just reading there sides that have ran the further so far this season. Arsenal have ran 5km more than any other side in league, Emery has really changed things around. Not a surprise that we are 7th this season with the change in style. Mancs are 16th spot as regards ground covered & City dominate possession so didn't expect them to be up there.

Top 10:

1)Arsenal
2)Spurs
3)Everton
4)Bournemouth
5)Chelsea
6)Newcastle
7)Liverpool
8)Palace
9)Huddersfield
10)City

[labourRed]

Perhaps we'll see some rewards later in the season. And i wonder, if like us in past seasons, Arsenal run out of steam.

[Irishnev]

Just reading there sides that have ran the further so far this season. Arsenal have ran 5km more than any other side in league, Emery has really changed things around. Not a surprise that we are 7th this season with the change in style. Mancs are 16th spot as regards ground covered & City dominate possession so didn't expect them to be up there.

Top 10:

1)Arsenal
2)Spurs
3)Everton
4)Bournemouth
5)Chelsea
6)Newcastle
7)Liverpool
8)Palace
9)Huddersfield
10)City

This can be misleading as the off the ball running when you dominate possession also adds up. I suspect against weaker teams they ‘rest’ on the ball but against bigger teams they run a lot even when they dominate possession.

[danperkins]

This can be misleading as the off the ball running when you dominate possession also adds up. I suspect against weaker teams they ‘rest’ on the ball but against bigger teams they run a lot even when they dominate possession.

Read an article before end of last season that City have more possession than the last 12 prem league champions, something like 12% than next place Chelsea (09-10). Don't think their passing is as good as last season but it's up there and their are so clinical. I think they have such a good squad too that when they rest players it doesn't really compromise the team. Even KDB has been out all season and you wouldn't even notice.

In short, it's very annoying.

[Fosterbloke]

I'm banking on them peaking too early and not being able to sustain their current levels.

[Irishnev]

Read an article before end of last season that City have more possession than the last 12 prem league champions, something like 12% than next place Chelsea (09-10). Don't think their passing is as good as last season but it's up there and their are so clinical. I think they have such a good squad too that when they rest players it doesn't really compromise the team. Even KDB has been out all season and you wouldn't even notice.

In short, it's very annoying.

Results wise we have been amazing in the league so far this season and ****ing City are still ahead of us. We are on course to get circa 90 points and just our luck that we are against financial dopers City and their ridiculous squad.

I said it on another post that they are skewing all accepted norms and we have fans who are moaning because we are behind them. It’s mental and hard to know what more can do - if we maintain this level of result and come second then it is absolutely a massive step forward but will also feel like an almighty kick in the balls.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Results wise we have been amazing in the league so far this season and ****ing City are still ahead of us. We are on course to get circa 90 points and just our luck that we are against financial dopers City and their ridiculous squad.

I said it on another post that they are skewing all accepted norms and we have fans who are moaning because we are behind them. It’s mental and hard to know what more can do - if we maintain this level of result and come second then it is absolutely a massive step forward but will also feel like an almighty kick in the balls.

And that is a City team who are behind on points to where they were after the same amount of games last season. Just shows how strong a team they are when them performing slightly below last season is still enough to see them stay ahead of record breaking PL starts for other teams.

[danperkins]

Results wise we have been amazing in the league so far this season and ****ing City are still ahead of us. We are on course to get circa 90 points and just our luck that we are against financial dopers City and their ridiculous squad.

I said it on another post that they are skewing all accepted norms and we have fans who are moaning because we are behind them. It’s mental and hard to know what more can do - if we maintain this level of result and come second then it is absolutely a massive step forward but will also feel like an almighty kick in the balls.

What I would say is that we have not been playing well and they have been dismantling sides and we are still within touching distance, we are hard to beat. We need to get our front 3 lads firing asap & sorting that midfield out. Rotation is going to have to stop at some point and get some continuity in that midfield. I think Henderson coming back into the side is a good thing & of course playing Shaqiri to get more of the ball to the forward line. Really hoping Keita starts to show why we paid so much for him. The defence has carried us somewhat, it's time for the forward lads to start kicking in.

[Irishnev]

What I would say is that we have not been playing well and they have been dismantling sides and we are still within touching distance, we are hard to beat. We need to get our front 3 lads firing asap & sorting that midfield out. Rotation is going to have to stop at some point and get some continuity in that midfield. I think Henderson coming back into the side is a good thing & of course playing Shaqiri to get more of the ball to the forward line. Really hoping Keita starts to show why we paid so much for him. The defence has carried us somewhat, it's time for the forward lads to start kicking in.

Clearly saving themselves for the second half of the season

[red g]

Sounds like the cube is having a great game tonight. the Swiss stuffing the Belgians 5-2

[Kenneth]

Just watched the highlights, and he was excellent. Peach of a cross for their 4th and aad no-look ball down the line in the build up to the 5th.

[Fosterbloke]

He had a superb game, a literal box of tricks!