Stoke (A): The Match

[RedReet]

Not too dissimilar to a couple of our pre-season games. Expect a much better second half.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

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.

I don't think this is true, they're hardworking but definitely not defensive.

Last year he had Gerrard who was a lot deeper in front of him, he's done well so far, if he'd had swapped first half performances with Skrtel there would have been a meltdown.

[peekay]

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

I agree but he seems to be our best attacker or outlet when our defenders are under pressure. Reflects how poor Lallana and Coutinho have been.

[danperkins]

Yeah everything was so so slow. I like the way Milner tried to push on though.

Coutinho was pretty ineffectual and didn't show his usual control and Benteke wasn't really involved as much as we'd like but was isolated.

The biggest problem seems to be linking the midfield and attack without just booting it long to Benteke or just switching it consistently to Ibe.

yeah we're very slow and predictable. I just feel that with no DM.. It's taking away from hendo and Milners natural game. Benteke is so isolated.

Everything is just to slow and easy to play against.

[Rigadon]

I agree but he seems to be our best attacker or outlet when our defenders are under pressure. Reflects how poor Lallana and Coutinho have been.

When he gets the ball, three or four Stoke players are immediately around him. Don't think Ibe has been too bad.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

The gap between Benteke and the rest of our players is too big, we have 5 players who should be rotating and occupying a position within 5-10 yards of him I'm hoping we address this after the break.

Given the way results have gone so far, keep this tight and try and nick a goal. A win would be fantastic here but even a draw isn't so bad. Only United have won so far who we should be concerned with.

[Bender]

I agree but he seems to be our best attacker or outlet when our defenders are under pressure. Reflects how poor Lallana and Coutinho have been.

don't agree mate Ibe has had little success or attacking influence on the game...you could say he's been the best of a poor bunch,overall out attacking play has been slow and devoid of ideas,Coutinho has looked like a little lamb,with Ibe being crowded out by stoke players that should create space for us if we attack in numbers where not doing that.

[Chris]

I don't think this is true, they're hardworking but definitely not defensive.

Last year he had Gerrard who was a lot deeper in front of him, he's done well so far, if he'd had swapped first half performances with Skrtel there would have been a meltdown.

Yep, he's been fine, his centre back partner however has been booked for a stupid tackle giving away a dangerous free kick, lost a header to Walters which allowed Diouf a shot, put a clearance in his own area straight to Afellay and Glen should have scored, nearly put Diouf in with a terrible back pass and was twice bailed out at the end of the half by Lovren after losing Diouf. Amazed it's Lovren being criticised in here after that showing!

[Fosterbloke]

Ok we're back!

[BootRoom]

Yep, he's been fine, his centre back partner however has been booked for a stupid tackle giving away a dangerous free kick, lost a header to Walters which allowed Diouf a shot, put a clearance in his own area straight to Afellay and Glen should have scored, nearly put Diouf in with a terrible back pass and was twice bailed out at the end of the half by Lovren after losing Diouf. Amazed it's Lovren being criticised in here after that showing!

[BootRoom]

don't agree mate Ibe has had little success or attacking influence on the game...you could say he's been the best of a poor bunch,overall out attacking play has been slow and devoid of ideas,Coutinho has looked like a little lamb,with Ibe being crowded out by stoke players that should create space for us if we attack in numbers where not doing that.

Ibe has done a lot more, and looks a lot more threatening than tortoise Lallana.

[Exiled_red]

Trying too hard to play all our attacks through Benteke, constantly lookng to him rather than other options when they are available

[McDermotX]

There we go again...last couple mins its left to Lovren and Skrtel to squeeze up on their midfielders.
Madness

[Boogs]

22 touches in the first half for big Chris. Lazy cunt

[Exiled_red]

Lovren booked for an arm to the face of Diouf