the 'front 4' looked like strangers Hendo and Gerrard were fairly good defensively we didn't really do much wrong other than a mistake on a corner. It was a flat, uninspired performance and we couldn't break down the bus. Disappointing but not cause for alarm
Did you learn what you actually already knew, that Balotelli is a talented but lazy tart who will disappoint in the majority of games? **** knows what Rodgers was thinking.
The main negative was the lack of ideas and inability to thread the needle in the final third. Resorting to speculative efforts from 30 yards outside the box because nothing else is on is not the way forward but that's what it came down to today. Our attack was just toothless. And of course the defending for the goal was amateurish, Gerrard should've blocked it (think it was him on the line). Balotelli looking upset and annoyed to be subbed made me laugh because he'd basically done **** all. Lambert and Borini coming on to try and turn it around isn't exactly going to have teams bricking it when they see their numbers flash up on the board. Lallana doesn't look fit yet hence he was subbed off. On the positive side we had most of the possession for the last 30 minutes and were going at Villa but there was no spark and we couldn't find a way through which is pretty shocking considering the amount of money lavished on attacking signings. Plus Villa had obviously planned to try and soak it up and see the 1-0 out. I'm not sure if that was a tactical shortcoming or evidence of the shortcomings in our personnel... need more games to assess these new players really.
Also to all the wums who suddenly reappear, get a ****ing life you bunch of motherfucking ****s. I don't go posting drivel on your respective boards because posting on one forum here is plenty as I actually have things going on in the real world unlike you internet saddos. Motherfuckers.
I know, it's sad mate. They live on the internet obviously. Probably watch our games all the way through too hoping for something to happen they can come and post on here about. ****ing pathetic losers.
I don't think we have learnt too much at all. It was an incredibly frustrating game against a well organised defensive set-up. Our attacking fluidity wasn't up to scratch purely based on the fact our team is a relatively new one, and it will take time for these players to get to know one another. I personally thought Lallana looked good, Lovren (on the whole) fills me with more confidence than Agger or Skrtel have done for the past few seasons. Markovic has a lot of promise but he is quite obviously not the finished article. Moreno will be a quality player. Game like this happen. Before the match we had a promising young manager with a young, exciting squad with the best depth we've had in years. After the match none of that has changed. I agree they should not be immune to criticism, but I do think we need to give the team time before being to harsh in our judgements.
Saints fan in peace: what Balotelli needs is talent - something he never shows any signs of acquiring. Bad buy. Lallama will win you more points eventually,although he looked frightened today (had he seen the Saints result?). Good luck and I'd love you to put the wind up Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal.
Balotelli showed plenty of talent today, he lacked the drive and desire. And trust me, I'm not happy about us signing him!!!
I don't think anyone's ever questioned his talent. Its his application and attitude that has always been questionable. And I'm not going to jump on the bandwagon slagging him off just yet. He's only played 2 games for **** sake, and he looked good in one of them.