Stoke (A): The Match

[kemm1]

Lots of hardwork coming out if central midfield but no quality and will be an ongoing problem. Lallana also showing absolutely nothing.

[Bender]

No creativeness upfront......Defensively done ok ...bring on Firmino and Can

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Lovren had a solid half there.

We're far to slow getting the ball forward, our runs are leaving little options for any kind of pass but even when there is one on we delay or make the wrong choice. Midfield aren't offering nearly enough so far either.

Coutinho looks like a player who has had no pre season and been at a summer tournament

Benteke I can't really fault, the service to him has been poor

[Fredo]

We just need to play with a bit more tempo.

[Muddled]

I think Gomez has looked accomplished. There's still some naivety to his play, but that's to be expected from such a young kid. A couple of Stoke attacks came from an unnecessary ball from Lovren that put him immediately under pressure and his decision to go and attack a ball he wasn't going to win. I'd say he offers more than Moreno at the back, but that is more to do with our lack of options. As for the rest of the defence, Lovren looks okay and our defence seems to be moving in unison in parts.

[Mattshark]

Adam lallana needs to do more in this game. He's the senior attacker in this team and he isn't taking enough responsibility to create something. Coutinho isn't fit and Ibe is a kid.

Sadly I just don't think Lallana is good enough to match the expectations of the team to be a regular.

[Bender]

Don't believe Ibe should have started,clearly not ready yet,best kept for sub appearances

[RichC]

Sadly I just don't think Lallana is good enough to match the expectations of the team to be a regular.

I think fully fit options and we'll be seeing him on the bench

[kemm1]

bring on Firmino and Can

[Mattshark]

Don't believe Ibe should have started,clearly not ready yet,best kept for sub appearances

This too.

[topscorer]

As for the positive comments on Lovren. I won't argue against that but I would point out that he's had two defensive midfielders in front of him for the first half - Henderson and Milner.

[Bender]

I think Gomez has looked accomplished. There's still some naivety to his play, but that's to be expected from such a young kid. A couple of Stoke attacks came from an unnecessary ball from Lovren that put him immediately under pressure and his decision to go and attack a ball he wasn't going to win. I'd say he offers more than Moreno at the back, but that is more to do with our lack of options. As for the rest of the defence, Lovren looks okay and our defence seems to be moving in unison in parts.

very composed and unflustered

[Leyton388]

Lallana shouldn't be a starter when we have Firmino .

[peekay]

I think Gomez has looked accomplished. There's still some naivety to his play, but that's to be expected from such a young kid. A couple of Stoke attacks came from an unnecessary ball from Lovren that put him immediately under pressure and his decision to go and attack a ball he wasn't going to win. I'd say he offers more than Moreno at the back, but that is more to do with our lack of options. As for the rest of the defence, Lovren looks okay and our defence seems to be moving in unison in parts.

I think he has done well given his debut against Jonathan Walters, who can give experienced defenders a rough time.

[Rigadon]

Poor half of football. Lots of 'huff and puff' but very little technical quality. Clyne looks good - but as a defensive unit, we still look 'dodgy'.