[PL] Leicester (H): Post Match

[RichC]

Well, it gives the overall placement of both CBs today in all phases of play, which I think you're well aware of.....to me, it gives the impression of Sakho acting as the senior CB. Something which appeared to be abundantly clear to me during the game, it also happened interestingly enough in the second half of the Watford game when Lucas settled back into the backline.
It's not that unusual, and not inherently wrong either, but it certainly reinforces the impression I had of Sakho's relationship with Dejan today.

He frequently took up a cover defensive position on a number of occasions, which is fine in a lot of situations, and sometimes not of course, but for some reason it appears to be a bone of contention to suggest someone other than Skrtel operating in a similar vein. It was as clear as day to me during the game, and to be fair, his poor positioning in one instance gifted them a decent chance in the first half during one of his 'moments' keeping the striker onside.

There was actually probably less movement the usual of the ball from the defence by Sakho until Leicester backed off as the game wore on, which is no real surprise, so that is certainly no explanation for his predominant position. Lovren performed decently enough today, though was probably lucky to avoid a card for his reckless challenge (ironic after what put him out the other week and some of the reaction on here), and given he was just back he was the far more impressively calm of the two today, but I certainly wasn't impressed as some today by the clean sheet, but it's obviously more than welcome.

The thing I take umbrage with is the idea that dropping off as a CB and playing 10 yards deeper than your fellow defenders is the norm and something actively practiced by the best teams across the world; its not its a terrible habit for a defender to have and ends up causing excess stress to a defensive unit due to poor positional sense, something that has been show Skrtel suffers from time and again.

Central defenders do and should come around on the cover for their partners which is down to what else has been going on i.e corners, being part of some attacking play etc.. To make out though that one player dropping off when another team is attacking us is crazy, nobody does it and ever wil, certainly in a conventional back 4.

Today was a god example of how a defensive unit should work, we're never going to see us not under pressure and mistakes not made as that's football and how the game is however the way we worked as a defensive unit was the most I've been impressed in a long time and don't forget this was agaisnt a side that was scoring for fun against other sides.

All in all a good performance and something to build upon for the future.

[SB]

Only watched the first 25 minutes (dinner with the in-laws) but thought Origi looked very promising (again). Worked hard, made himself available, worked the channels and wasn't afraid to run at defenders. This kid could turn out to be a very good signing

Edit - reminded me of a fit Sturridge.

no matter how hard I try, this does not compute

[Harv]

Much needed win! Great performance by Hendo which is a vast improvement on his poor performances since his return so hoping he continues...


Benteke looks like his confidence is shot. He got a goal but that near the end looked like he was scared to shoot from anywhere outside the box in case he missed.

One thing of note - on the buildup to the miss was he not offside when whoever it was played the ball to him? Unless the rules have changed their keeper was behind Benteke and only a single defending player between Benteke and their goal, plus he was in their half so that's offside... At first when whoever had the ball didn't play it quickly enough I thought and out players got into their half I thought it was going to be flagged. Can anybody confirm I'm not going insane as nobody seems to have spotted it?

You can't be offside in your own half. Plus half the side would've been offside if you go by that wouldn't they? Plus **** that for a joke, the keeper was in our penalty box trying to knock a goal.

[Camble]

You can't be offside in your own half. Plus half the side would've been offside if you go by that wouldn't they? Plus **** that for a joke, the keeper was in our penalty box trying to knock a goal.

He wasn't in our half mate he was in theirs, which is why it should have been offside.

The rule, unless it's been changed without my knowledge, is that to be offside you must not be beyond the last two defending players (in 99.9% of cases is an outfield player and the goalkeeper but can be two outfield players if the goalkeeper is in no man's land) but can be in your own half or behind the ball when it's played.

It happens often when for example there's a set piece and the keeper comes out to deal with it and the ball goes back in and an attacker is behind the keeper and prods it home with a defender on the line - which should be and usually is flagged for offside.

[Leyton388]

Lovrens turn around under Klopp is testament to Klopps ability to in still confidence and belief in a player.

[Camble]

Lovrens turn around under Klopp is testament to Klopps ability to in still confidence and belief in a player.

I think Klopp has told him to stick to basics. Rodgers was trying to use him as a ball playing CB and it brought out a couple of mistakes which ruined his confidence. Now he's row Z'ing it he's looking much better.

[Corndog]

The henderson and Can partnership looked real good today, real nicely balanced.

[Harv]

Yeah Lovrens looking a totally different player now. Get a commanding keeper in and our defence will look solid again.
Butland will be expensive, but **** me he's looking like some keeper! Id just buy him, don't **** about trying to skimp and get a cheaper German version that could be **** in this league.

[Harv]

The henderson and Can partnership looked real good today, real nicely balanced.

Looked to me like they were told to not get bullied off the ball after the Watford debacle. Much better strength and far less ****housery!

[SB]

The henderson and Can partnership looked real good today, real nicely balanced.

I wonder where that'll leave Milner when he's back. Wide right in place of Lallana? Or Lallana on the left & Phil central?

[fidget]

I wonder where that'll leave Milner when he's back. Wide right in place of Lallana? Or Lallana on the left & Phil central?

hopefully on the bench

[SB]

hopefully on the bench

On recent form I'd have to agree.

But I feel that he will be played

[Harv]

Milner is brutally **** with the ball. He's bench fodder and will be great for bringing experience, energy and closing games out.

[dww]

Lovrens turn around under Klopp is testament to Klopps ability to in still confidence and belief in a player.

I kind of feel he was doing better this season already pre-Klopp. Certainly he's had good games before he came. I can't help feel that people are trying to willa Klopp myth into existence.

[SB]

I kind of feel he was doing better this season already pre-Klopp. Certainly he's had good games before he came. I can't help feel that people are trying to willa Klopp myth into existence.

Bah humbug Dave. Bah humbug