Stoke (A): Post Match

[Chris]

It's a hard one now, we're going to have to fit Firmino in, probably at the expense of Ibe, and also Can for Lallana.

I'm wondering if we go 3 in the middle and 3 up top with Phil and Firmino out wide, or maybe a move back to the diamond with Firmino going right up top.

I reckon the 3, looks best for us. Though we have to be careful not to isolate Benteke, might take a while to master that one, Firmino and Coutinho seem to love coming to get the ball!

[I, Ravel Morrison]

It's a hard one now, we're going to have to fit Firmino in, probably at the expense of Ibe, and also Can for Lallana.

I'm wondering if we go 3 in the middle and 3 up top with Phil and Firmino out wide, or maybe a move back to the diamond with Firmino going right up top.

I think diamond suits the players better. Maybe Moreno for Gomez for more attacking intent and vice versa against the burly sides like Stoke.

[BootRoom]

Says a scouse hating Manc who pretends to be a Liverpool supporter. Yeah, I'm not sure you really want to go there fella!

Are you saying I refer to whiskey-soaked bacon face as "The Master" and add that "he's just like a Scouser"?

[Assassin]

WTF is wrong with people here? Bickering after a win?

closet mancs

[danperkins]

WTF is wrong with people here? Bickering after a win?

mancs everywhere

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Huge.

These away fixtures are extremely tough, about as bad as it could get and getting off to a start like this is perfect. Performance comes 2nd.

Emre Can has to be in Rodgers thinking now surely? We looked immediately better and he's brilliant.

Gomez did well, Clyne was very good as was Lovren from the most part and Mignolet didn't give me any real panic moments either. Going forwards Lallana was slow, Coutinho was rusty (magic aside) Ibe was predictable and Benteke was isolated.

Firmino struggled but it was a huff and puff game away to Stoke off the back of little/no pre season.

[-V-]

3 points away at Stoke. Superb, can't ask for more than that as I always fear the worst at the britannia. Especially sweet consider Wenger's whingers got beat at home by west ham

[baitman]

Next game should be -

-----Benteke-----Firmino
------------Coutinho
-----Can-----Milner-----Henderson
Gomez--Lovren--Skrtel--Clyne

Mig

i would tweak it like this;

---------Benteke-------
----Coutinho--Firmino------
Milner-----Can-----Henderson
Gomez--Lovren--Skrtel--Clyne
------------Mig

this gives us two players to come close to benteke from either side, two skilfull lads who can run with the ball and shoot if not closed down, or thread a killer pass to chris if they are being closed down. they will draw defenders out and create space in behind.

the three in the middle will stop our midfield being so hollow.

[baronvonskidmark]

Genuine question - as Gomez played the pass to Coutinho, does that count as an assist?

If so, not a bad debut for an 18 year old defender playing out of position - a clean sheet and an assist

[Reece]

Well happy with that Exactly the kind of game I expected. Gwan Phil

[BootRoom]

For a 'Big Man' Benteke actually wins his fair share of headers, which is more than can be said for Carroll and Lambert when they were here. I think he's going to do better than I initially thought.

[Bender]

Genuine question - as Gomez played the pass to Coutinho, does that count as an assist?

If so, not a bad debut for an 18 year old defender playing out of position - a clean sheet and an assist

yes

[peekay]

Huge 3 points

Also credit to Rodgers. The introduction of Can allowed Henderson, Milner to play as box to box midfielders, pushed Coutinho a little bit to the left and we looked a lot better.

Today's win is not about the performance. It is about building confidence.

[Chris]

You take things to the extreme. Rodgers could of done more with Lambert but did zero with him. If you buy a player you use him. I didn't want him, yes. But could and should of gotten more out of him.

End of the day Rodgers was about to take Coutinho off. The goal wouldnt of happened. You'd have been happy with that outcome I'm sure.

Yeah well he didnt come off did he? He was there and scored. Honestly, if you cant be happy after winning via a late goal of the season contender away at a tough ground you might aswell not bother at all.

[baronvonskidmark]

yes