AFC Wimbledon - Post Match

[SB]

Steven Gerrard's goals stole the headlines as Liverpool edged AFC Wimbledon in an entertaining FA Cup third round clash.

Yet fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson's industrious display was every bit as crucial to Liverpool's 2-1 win, and showed why he is in the view of many a candidate at least to one day become club captain.

The England international led the way with 106 touches of the ball, more than any other player on the pitch.

Barring one game against Aston Villa this season in which he had 136 touches, it was higher than in any match he has played this season.

Henderson also performed strongly from a creative perspective, putting his time on the ball to good use. He made five key passes, the highest in the Liverpool team, more than Coutinho (4) and Steven Gerrard (2).

The midfielder was less productive in front of goal, failing to hit the target with each of his two attempts on goal.

To be regarded like Gerrard he will need to become more clinical in this area, but attempting to create the success the club captain has had is an impossible task.

If Henderson continues to work hard at what he is good at, and keeps creating chances then the plaudits will soon head his way too.

[Muddled]

A potential hiccup avoided on a terrible pitch, against a team well up for causing us a mischief. Credit to Wimbledon, they exposed our weaknesses with ease but our quality came through. We were a couple of composed finishes away from making it a more comfortable finish and at the end of the day, we're through to the next round.

Agree with Chris and Shaggy; Mignolet's mixed bag with some glimpses of brilliance from Markovic. This will be a good experience for the latter; He took a bit of a battering with some good old fashioned shoulder barges but gave some back and never hid. I'm sure Rodgers will be looking to strengthen his core (much like he has with Sterling). As for Lambert, I'm desperate for him to play with some freedom, but he really is being weighed down by pressure from himself as much as the crowd.

Henderson looked industrious in the middle. I'm sure that effort blocked by Lambert was on target? I can't remember a replay, mind. Gerrard's awareness and his ability to find space in important positions shouldn't go unnoticed. His movement was excellent and bar the odd pot shot, he always looked for the best ball regardless of him being on a hat-trick. Saying all that, Coutinho was my stand out guy. Away from home and against teams that get up and in him, he usually goes missing. Yesterday, all of our attacking play went through him. His balance and deftness of touch are awesome, he just needs to add goals and we have some player on our hands.

Roll on Bolton.

[Yozza]

Is the midfield dynamo Jay Spearing still at Bolton?

Heskey returns too.....!

Just checked - he's their captain!

[Fan65]

Once again it stands out like a moment of fun at a U2 concert that we need a proper commanding Goalkeeper !!!

The window is open, there must be one out there somewhere (Sheffield Wednesday ???)

Yes we need a striker as well but Super Sturridge is nearly back and there are other options (Origi, Ibe etc)

[Shaggy]

Is the midfield dynamo Jay Spearing still at Bolton?

Heskey returns too.....!

Just checked - he's their captain!

Spearing is club captain but doesn't get a game

Sub most weeks.

[meffin]

Happy with the win. Smaller clubs are always well up for FA cup games, combined with a shockingly bad pitch. Wins a win regardless of performance. We'll do better against Bolton

[Yozza]

Spearing is club captain but doesn't get a game

Sub most weeks.

Ha ha ****ing Weejay

[meffin]

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/video/fix...19-55-00#20410

Seems like a really decent guy. Let him train with us for a day, or buy him and stick him in defence!

[Tee]

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/video/fix...19-55-00#20410

Cheers mate

[BobTheCharmer]

Where is this notion that the pitch was awful come from? It wasn't a quagmire, it wasn't waterlogged, it was flat and played pretty well. That was better than 90% of the pitches in the 80's. For a club of Wimbledons size it was good.

[Tee]

Where is this notion that the pitch was awful come from? It wasn't a quagmire, it wasn't waterlogged, it was flat and played pretty well. That was better than 90% of the pitches in the 80's. For a club of Wimbledons size it was good.

Some might even say that surface was better than the one we have at Anfield.

[meffin]

Where is this notion that the pitch was awful come from? It wasn't a quagmire, it wasn't waterlogged, it was flat and played pretty well. That was better than 90% of the pitches in the 80's. For a club of Wimbledons size it was good.

From watching it? You could see it was in a bad state looking at it, and the fact that the ball didn't travel at all.

For a club of there size it was good, still doesn't make it a good pitch.

[BobTheCharmer]

From watching it? You could see it was in a bad state looking at it, and the fact that the ball didn't travel at all.

For a club of there size it was good, still doesn't make it a good pitch.

You're just spoilt. Commentators even mentioned it being good.

[DannyMan2006]

Pitch was terrible.

It was good for the 80's Id agree with, as were a lot of their tackles. We had to battle and it was pleasing that we did and just about came through.

Crazy to watch them get away with all the fouls in our area at set pieces, it was like watching the Royal Rumble. When they pressed high we struggled as a result of Lambert not having the pace to get in behind. Our only threat seemed to be Markovic who seemed to just run right through them all night when he wasn't getting fouled.

I think we tried to be too neat when the pitch wouldn't allow it, whilst our other option of utilising Lambert was hardly used, when we did try most crosses were off target. Even the first goal, Manquillo aims the cross at Lambo but it goes behind him. Luckily Gerrard steams in and scores.

Whilst our second goal - credit to Lambert there. He clearly tugs on Akinfenwa in the wall, preventing him from jumping maximum height. Gerrard kick goes right over his head and into the net.

[BG1973]

You're just spoilt. Commentators even mentioned it being good.

That was before kick off.. Looked **** once a ball was passed along it.

Bobble city.