Liverpool FC Forum

bigmick wrote:Got to briefly take issue with you Santa on the Raven mistakes. Don't get me wrong I don't know the kid but I think you've been harsh on both counts. On the offside, I actually think Whitbread does the wrong thing by stepping out and also doesn't step out early or far enough. You should only ever really step out if you are fairly sure you are the last man (its not synchronised swimming after all) and in doing so, it has to be a couple of paces to give some daylight and a chance of a decision. My read was that had Raven not been behind Whitbread then Kanoute still may have got the nod, it was that tight. Also, given that Raven had his own man to pick up, it was unreasonable to expect him to be able to co-ordinate the step.
On the actual finish, I think you have to give credit to Defoe for some very good, if elementary movement. Raven left on his own is obviously reluctant to get drawn to near post as this would result in a pass beyond him and an easy finish. He feels more comfortable in an impossible situation when he can get himself inbetween Kanoute and Defoe. However, if he allows Defoe to pull too far off him, he has a further problem. So, as he sees Defoe begin to backtrack out of the corner of his eye (remember his focus is on the ball-carrier, Kanoute) he takes a corrective backward step. This is the trigger for Defoe to attack the near-post at pace. The combo of defender having to re-adjust to go back forwards and Defoe arriving at 100 miles an hour is too much, pass is well wieghted and finish exemplarary. A good striker doing the basics right. Don't think you can blame Raven though.
When he's a bit older he may fient to backtrack and second guess Defoe will go near post. Even then though he may get it wrong. Sorry to pick up on it but thats how I see it anyhow.

Hi Big Mick, I was probably wrong, probably...didn't get a close-up analyse replay but I think it was Raven. But anyway, the kid did good overall and deserve encouragement. I don't mean it as a (harsh) criticism but point out what I saw. And he realised Dafoe's run much too late to cover...

Biscan and Henchoz scored from the penalty, never thought I live to see that    Whoever we met next, I think this is a good showcase and experience for our youngsters

cisses_gona_get_ya wrote:Its really a big dilema for Rafa cause Watford wont lay down and could beat us very easy they have nothing to loose.
What do you do?

Out of all the semi finalists Watford will be the most desperate to reach a cup final and CGGY is spot on when she says they wont just lay down, for them it will be their biggest game of the season and I expect it will be a real battle .
The youngsters have done exceptionally well to get this far but if we are honest there is no way Spurs should have lost last night , we were lucky not to be 3 nil down by half time. It would be nice for the youngsters to be given the chance to play in the semi's BUT what then ? if they win do we then play them again in the final ?. Forget the sentiment ,if we are serious about winning this competition now is the time to bring on our first eleven.

John Barnes' Granny wrote:I personally think that we'll see three or four more first team regulars like Baros, Finnan, Riise and Garcia playing some part in in the semis, and if we get a poor result in the first leg, there will be no doubt that Gerrard, Alonso, Carragher and Hyppia will play.