Vs Manchester City (A): Post Match Thread

[Fredo]

Well he's ****ed his thigh so Manquillo will be playing now. Big worry is that we'll be having an almost complete back four against Spurs.

[Buzzo]

Coutinho was probing and picking up the ball and turning really well for about 35 minutes, then he and Sterling couldn't find any space or were being denied space. Sturridge then seemed a bit isolated, and ended up dropping deep - which meant we didn't have anyone up front...

I reckon for the Spurs game we need to revert back to the formation from last season with Balotelli in for Suarez, we were a handful when the front 3 were inter changing during the game. We seemed to get bogged down a bit tonight,when the secret to our success has been breaking fast on teams.

The games are going to start coming thick and fast once the CL begins. I think a lot will be expected from Mario - I hope he can live up to our requirements. A goal in front of the Kop on his hime debut would be perfect.

[Maxiedge]

Thought the ref was poor and definitely gave City the advantage

[SB]

Johnson had a solid game.

No it didn't and he was unlucky to not have an assists for the offside goal (he did his part). Defensively he wasn't troubled, so again it feels like a bit of a witch hunt. He wasn't outstanding, but he did very little wrong.

the best side to his game seems to have taken a weird u turn. 2 poor seasons now... hopefully not a third on the way.

I'm with you Dan. I beg to differ with the other pair. 😉

[danperkins]

I didn't think City played that well overall but when they turned it on they really cut through us. You could see that they are a settled team.. and they are an excellent settled team.

[danperkins]

I'm with you Dan. I beg to differ with the other pair. 😉

When a player under performs for 2 seasons.. you have to ask is he out of form or has he just lost it?

[Maxiedge]

Their movement is excellent and the game came too soon for a transitioning back 4.

I agree that Glen Johnson's best facet is now totally gone (attacking the fullback).

[danperkins]

Their movement is excellent and the game came too soon for a transitioning back 4.

I agree that Glen Johnson's best facet is now totally gone (attacking the fullback).

[Buzzo]

Agh - every game. OK he's not MotM every week, and is not getting forward with as much prowess - BUT!!!! Johnson played alright tonight. He and Skrtel were the best 2 of our back 5.

[danperkins]

I thought Johnson did ok tonight too, never said he played bad

But i think it is general consensus now that he has been generally poor for about 2 seasons now.

[RedReet]

When a player under performs for 2 seasons.. you have to ask is he out of form or has he just lost it?

2 Seasons? As I highlighted before, it was only last year when you yourself was say he was so important to our side.

I ****ing hate defending Johnson because I can see myself that he is way off teh level we should expect from him, but why is there this obsession to prove that he's our worst player now and has been **** for a lot longer than he has?

[baronvonskidmark]

There doesn't seem to be any sense of cohesion between how Skrtel and Lovren play imo which makes either or both look disappointing. Of course that might be remedied with time.

If Skrtel is injured for the Spurs game, it'll be interesting to see what Rodgers goes with. He seemed to make such a point when he signed him that Lovren is a Left CB. So does he just stick with Lovren at LCB and use Toure simply as a straightforward temporary stand in for Skrtel - or does he switch Lovren to RCB and bring Sakho in as a LCB? (which could be a longer term solution imo).

For me it will tell us a lot about where Rodgers sees Sakho's position within the squad.

[G]

Did I miss Skrtel getting a knock or something?

[bradsdad]

Get Carra back as defensive coach.

Hansens not working now either

[Fredo]

Yeah he got a knock but he should be fine.

Looking back at the game again, if our defence doesn't gel quickly, Chelsea and City will be out of sight before long by the way it is panning out. Looks like a race for 3rd place at this stage to be honest.