Stoke (A): Post Match

[Fosterbloke]

No Ibe?

He makes the subs bench. He needs to learn to make better decisions and release the ball quicker.

[TheElephantMan]

Tactically, we made a mistake starting Lallana...

Can on, Firmino on as a RW in a 4-3-3 (Coutinho on the left) and suddenly we were much, much better through the middle.

I think Rodgers deserves some credit for his game management here. It was never going to be an easy straight-forward game and there was a lot of pressure given that we lost by such a huge margin here last season. I think that we contained them for 70+ minutes (okay they could have scored a crawpy goal, but didn't) and then we changed formation and took control of the game. It would have been nice to stuff them, but realistically there did seem to be a game plan and it worked.

[captainfog]

I've no problem with Lallana playing in the central three, If he's given freedom to break forward then it could work. He didn't play well today though, that's for sure. But I think he probably needs to play with a Can/Lucas.

He's a very skillful player and I think he's a good squad member, but I've said before he's not got that 10 yard burst of pace to be a really excellent player.

[kingfunk]

Stoke (A) post match

Iv never seen us play as tight as we did today. We were so compact from front to back. So much effort trying to get the ball up the field, there were players doubling up in positions at times. Like sharks circling seals, the problem is the seals had the ball for the most part. There was loads of space on the pitch for runners but the balls were never played, looked like lack of intelligence but possibly tactics?? first ball into space was from firmino when he came on. Very strange, although it is no secret Rodgers likes to 'contain' the opposition and I'm sure the defensive errors from last season have played on his mind. Just hope we don't play one trick pony tactics for the season and we can show a more expansive side.

[TheElephantMan]

Rodgers is under immense pressure, we had to win today. We were never going to play open attacking football, the priority was simply to get three points. We can improve our style of play during the season, but it's not as crucial as getting some points in the bag. Beating Stoke away was a significant result, we needed that. It was scrappy, but doesn't matter. Three points at Stoke is a good result.

[peekay]

Rodgers is under immense pressure, we had to win today. We were never going to play open attacking football, the priority was simply to get three points. We can improve our style of play during the season, but it's not as crucial as getting some points in the bag. Beating Stoke away was a significant result, we needed that. It was scrappy, but doesn't matter. Three points at Stoke is a good result.

In the 2013 season we started with three 1-0 victories - Stoke, Aston Villa, and Man Utd. In all three games we were tight and controlled and very different from the expansive all attack team which blew away teams later on in the season. The key now is to build momentum.

[Nicey]

Solid performance all round. Gomez looked totally in control for kid with so little experience. Lovern was pretty solid. Milner and Hendo ran the middle of the park. Benteke did exactly what he was supposed to do and looked dangerous anytime the ball came to him, he also looks like a team player. Firmino looked extremely dangerous when he came on, tenacious, confident and direct, elements of Suarez about him. 3 well earned points at a very difficult away fixture. Over the moon and Coutinho man what a strike the lad has.

Football’s back

[vlahka]

You didn't see how Can replacing Lallana changed the game entirely then? You see what you want to I suppose. When we win its the players, when we lose its the manager.

What?....I never mentioned anything apart from Ings replacing Coutinho who scored the goal. You're putting words in my mouth. I would of started with Can on the field and Lallana on the bench. Not a big fan of his.

[Fosterbloke]

What?....I never mentioned anything apart from Ings replacing Coutinho who scored the goal. You're putting words in my mouth. I would of started with Can on the field and Lallana on the bench. Not a big fan of his.

Not having a go at you directly but just leave it. Let's just enjoy the result.

[vlahka]

Not having a go at you directly but just leave it. Let's just enjoy the result.

I think I plan to. I only mentioned 1 negative and it was a simple line, not a huge rant. I mean specifically Coutinho, as the thought of subbing him ever gets under my skin since hes our best player. Never expected having to do any back and forths for a simple opinion of 1 part of the game. Very irritating.

[Fredo]

I think I plan to. I only mentioned 1 negative and it was a simple line, not a huge rant. I mean specifically Coutinho, as the thought of subbing him ever gets under my skin since hes our best player. Never expected having to do any back and forths for a simple opinion of 1 part of the game. Very irritating.

Coutinho was going to be subbed because he's short of match fitness. Same reason for why Can didn't start.

[lickedlollipop]

I couldn't watch this opening game, but from comments I can conclude that game wasn't perfect and that newcomers were solid? I didn't expect Gomez to start, but nevermind, as long he was brilliant.. How was Big Chris doing? Thanks

[REDSCOUSER]

Sometimes you gotta win ugly, this was one of them. At least we got Stoke out of the way now.
It was an even game heading to 0-0 till a bit of magic from Coutinho settled it.
Our new signings all looked good particularly Clyne who looked like he's been in the side for years.
Firmino made a few classy touches reminiscent of Suarez. I like him already.

[Bender]

looking back i thought we were fairly solid against against Stoke's Rugby X1 .....more so consdiering the last game of last season,this was never going to be easy,need to get Can and Firmino into the side and eventually Sturridge to give us more fluency and pace going forward.

[Shaggy]

Watched it in a pub off the back of an all-nighter with zero sleep. Sat there like a zombie thinking "**** me this is rubbish" but you could sense the goal coming. Forgot what that buzz is like - went absolutely bananas when Phil lashed that one. What a player he is. Got to beat Bournemouth and you sense performances will only get better. Get in.