by LFC2007 » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:59 am
Well, I thought we were good value for the point. We had at least three clear chances to score (Agger 2, Gerrard 1). It wasn't an horrific performance, but I acknowledge that we're capable of much better.
First half we were particularly poor though; our passing was sloppy, we never really settled, and because of that not only did we not apply enough presure, we ended up going to sleep and conceding.
They then set up to defend their lead, and they did a very good job at it. We struggled to make a consistent threat given the level of possession we had, but of the chances we created, we probably should've scored one of them (esp Agger's second header). When teams set up like that i.e. defending deep and keeping their discipline, it's always difficult to find a way through, particularly for us though. One of the best ways to find a way through under these circumstances is from set pieces, but given our lack of an aerial threat, it meant our options were reduced to passing it in and around the box, i.e. through incisive passing and intelligent movement. That's hardly our forte as a side, and is one of the key reasons we struggled tonight, and why we generally do against park the bus opposition.
So, in and around the box, only on a couple of occasions did we produce that kind of incisive play we needed - once involving Arbeloa, Babel, Gerrard and Kuyt, and the other involving Gerrard and Keane - which led to one of our best chances with his shot over the bar. BUT, Gerrard producing moment of magic on the edge of the box isn't enough, we need a consistent threat on that front.
Given the situation, I was surprised at the substitutions. That type of tactical scenario is EXACTLY the type of situation Babel fails miserably in; because his passing, first touch and movement are poor.
Equally, I thought taking off Keane - someone who can produce moments of incisive play - wasn't the correct move. The fact that he was taken off for Ngog - a player whose passing, control, first touch etc, is also highly questionable - was even more surprising (to put it bluntly, I don't think either Babel or Nggog are good enough long-term, and that's on the basis of having seen Babel over the past season, and Ngog from the brief spell tonight and against Villa where he was woeful).
I thought Benayoun would've been the most suitable player to come on, in place of Kuyt. At the very least he's far more intelligent than Babel and Ngog, but also Kuyt. He can conjure up a subtle movement,or pass every so often which can unlock tough defences. Lucas did next to nothing when he came on, but his introduction was neither here nor there.
by 