tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33779660.post2127151330811078105..comments2023-12-22T01:47:49.178-05:00Comments on oh you beauty: Liverpool 3-0 Gomelnatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043601945557998732noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33779660.post-12054242354194346472012-08-09T20:35:29.993-04:002012-08-09T20:35:29.993-04:00Our defense and CDM bests anyone but City probably...Our defense and CDM bests anyone but City probably, and that's obviously contingent on it staying together, but Chelsea, United, and Arsenal all have serious issues at the fullback positions.<br /><br />Not that I think we're going to challenge them, but I think that the fourth spot is wide open for the taking.<br /><br />Chelsea have no real system and a Potemkin manager, they're still coming off a horrid league campaign and god rid of their talisman and several depth guys. I think they're a lot more vulnerable in the fourth place hunt than people think.BackBergtthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01916269531937171514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33779660.post-89094747855254743502012-08-09T20:20:35.428-04:002012-08-09T20:20:35.428-04:00Carroll could be a different type of player, almos...Carroll could be a different type of player, almost totally as a sub, maybe a starter depending on the opposition, but you're right, he doesn't really fit with how Liverpool played today. Which is why I've resigned myself to his sale, as much as I personally like the player and want to see him succeed. As long as Liverpool can recoup enough money to slightly save face. It's similar to how I feel about Adam; he's not a bad option off the bench, either to slow the pace of play or to try and open up the opposition depending on the situation, but he won't and shouldn't be first choice by any stretch of the imagination.<br /><br /><br />Sorry drew, Chelsea's first XI is better, Arsenal's is probably better (with or without RvP), and United's is more familiar with each other despite the weak spots (RB, CM continue to stick out like sore thumbs). That doesn't mean I'm any less excited about Liverpool's potential (which should be cause for concern); Liverpool has a very good first XI. Nonetheless, squad depth was and remains the biggest worry.<br /><br />Unsurprisingly, agree with everything else you said, though.natehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10043601945557998732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33779660.post-38414497183670942622012-08-09T18:58:26.391-04:002012-08-09T18:58:26.391-04:00On the other hand, after watching the inevitable Y...On the other hand, after watching the inevitable YouTube clips and some Swansea and Roma matches from the past few years, I was prepared to fall head over heels in love with Borini, and he did not disappoint. Nothing like an early first goal to bed in a striker; a few more and maybe we'll have not only a high-energy pursuit machine, but the ruthless poacher we've so desperately missed.<br /><br />Know you mentioned it Nate but hard to underestimate just how important it is to have Reina back to his sweeper-keeping best. Pretty sure any decline of his form in the last season or two is down to changing his role away from what he was so good at under Rafa.<br /><br />Also, zonal marking. Thank Christ.<br /><br />Elsewhere even with possibility of Downing's revival (man, did he ever fit in well today), still want to see another winger (anything we get for Cole, even wage reduction, is gravy); also hope we flog Adam and keep Shelvey around. And if Carroll does go, a forward, possibly on loan--don't need top shelf goods, just someone with willing legs and, like Georger noted, positional flexibility. The Allen signing is huge because it lets us rest Lucas sometimes<br /><br />I know there will be some times this season where the system breaks down, but good god am I looking forward to seeing things come together. Pretty sure the first XI is a match for anyone excepting maybe Man City, but past that point is where the success of the season will be determined.drewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33779660.post-70333157491813465732012-08-09T18:20:27.933-04:002012-08-09T18:20:27.933-04:00Seeing his system in full effect (not fully honed ...Seeing his system in full effect (not fully honed obviously but the idea is there) ..... <br /><br /><br />God<br /><br />Damnit<br /><br />Carroll does not fit into it. They were right. There's no way he's switching positions and working left to right like Suarez and Borini - the latter of which is a lot faster than I thought. <br /><br />Breaks my heart.BackBergtthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01916269531937171514noreply@blogger.com