Match Day Thread Time to look at our defence 2023/2024

"It has been two months since he officially joined the club"

Not the greatest start to the article #overthreemonths

 

Our defence was all over the place, I blaming Henderson for the second goal, who should I blame for the first?.

 

You had a pick of Gomez, Firmino or Lovren but opt for a player that did nothing wrong

 

VvD, he was the furthest man back playing everyone on side (whilst having a clear view of the line) and was the first to put his hand up for off-side

The man makes sooo many mistakes

 

Their first goal... I agree with Diego. Vvd was lazy not getting out and had hand in air

But it must be terrible to be so jealous of our player

 

Henderson's foul was preventable. Tow goals conceded by us were set pieces.

 

yeah but it's down to us not the opponent.

we stop playing and that's what happens. it's not continuing to play that is the consistent error imo.

 

It wasn't even a foul by Hendo. The foul was given against Gomez, the ref waited to see if there was a advantage. The freekick was taken from the spot that the Gomez foul happened.

 

Gomez was really lazy in the build up for the second goal - will give him benefit of the doubt since he’s come back from injury - tiredness and rustiness crept into his game.

Then lovren played them all onside and lost his man.

Mentioned it on another thread but VVD is the only commanding CB we have. Really hope we’re bringing in another CB this summer.

 

Lovern sometime hot, some time cold, yesterday he was cold. It seems Jurgen Klopp have some confidence in him

 

Lovren will always make these types of basic defensive errors which is why he simply needs to go. Karius, Trent, VVD and Robbo could be the foundation to build on. Just need to find VVD a quality partner.

 

he shows zero learning. he just keeps diving in and also panicking

 

Lack of concentration led to Chelsea's goal

 

38 League games goals conceded.


Manchester city 27 Goals conceded ranked 1
Manchester United 28 Goals concede ranked 2
Tottenham Hotspur 36 Goals concede ranked 3
Liverpool 38 Goals concede ranked 4
Chelsea 38 Goals conceded ranked 5
Burnley 39 Goals conceded ranked 6

Ironically, rank 1-4 is also their league positions. Defence is crucial to league position

 

not really. there's a 10 goal difference between 2nd and 4th. but only 6 points and one game at old Trafford dictated that. add on 0-0 v everton and stoke as well and it's not defence that caused the gap.

the fact is city have the ball 70% of time so look great but defence is very get atable if you try.

Utd are polar opposite in negativity but have same goals conceded just about yet are 19 points off city.

the fact is the better squad and team does better irrespective of goals scored or conceded as styles balance out.

Chelsea were better defense than us but have not the same team spirit or quite fluidity. they are close but they failed this time due to too.many games at once and injuries.

 

1-5

 

Did our defence improve since Vvd joined us? We conceded 14 PL goals with him, and 24 before he joined( 5 vs City and 4 vs Spurs)

 

Yes but also credit to...
- Robbo who's been great
- Moreno not being in the team as a result
- Coutinho leaving meaning we have a more robust work hungry midfield
- Karius instead of Migs

 

Van Dijk helps us in attack too. Great in possession and passing. Much missed since the days of Agger

 

You can thank VVD for the improvement. Robbo has been very good but it’s a lot easier playing alongside VVD than Lovren.

Karius has improved - again, more leadership and composure ahead of him, thanks to VVD.

Seriously - 75m is looking like a bargain right now. Find him the right partner and we will be formidable.