Atletico can whinge all they like about Gerrards dubious penalty claim, but the fact remains we were robbed of a legitimate penalty claim (deliberate handball maybe?) earlier in the half. Some people might point out that Carra also handled the ball in the penalty area but he had little or no control over that.
The first half was a bit of a non-event but at least the second half showed a determination from Liverpool to at least try score. Rafas subtitutions left a lot to be desired. What was the point in putting Ngog (completely rubbish) in place of Keane ? Or Lucas (another disappointing display) in place of Mascherano ?
A 1-1 draw seemed a fair result on the night, but it shouldn't be allowed to paper over the cracks in our attack. And with Marseille beating PSV, it's safe to say that both Liverpool and Atletico have the group pretty much wrapped up now. Which leaves us with room to focus on the Premier League again.
10 comments:
The first half was shocking stuff. We can't keep waiting until the second half or the dying moments of a match to turn it on. It's just not good enough and is very much a recurring theme this season. As much as I hope and believe we can win multiple trophies this season, I hope I don't suffer heart failure before then.
i didnt even both celebrating the equalizer. too many players were useless. dont even get me started on ngog and lucas. we dont have the strength in depth required to win the premier league. the best we can hope for is the champions league and fa cup.
Its too early to write off Ngog. His poor touch was probably because of nerves but he had a nice drag back later on in the game. He is still a young lad and has time to develop.
Lucas though is a different case. He looked promising at times last year but has failed to develop as expected this year and i dont think he will be with us next year.
The sooner Torres comes back the better as the team badly needs a lift and a clinical finisher in front of goal.
Disagree about the penalties. Our was a penalty because it would have been a free kick had the challenge occurred in the centre circle, but it was a soft one and we were lucky.
As for the penalty we should've had, I think that was balanced out by the fact that we got away with Carragher and Mascherano handling in the box when they flew in to challenges with their arms outspread.
I think we are improved this season but we are still a long way short of what's required, as mentioned above we don't have strength in depth. I think we are again battling with the other teams in the 3rd/4th/5th positions like Arsenal and Villa, the only difference this year is I think we look like favourites for 3rd rather than scrapping for 4th
Teams must look at performances like that last night and realise that by placing 10 men in defence you can easily shackle liverpool. We have very little creativity in front of goal and apart from Torres we dont have a reliable finisher. Plus Rafa should have had a complete squad by now. He has had plenty of time and money to get players but we still lack depth and he is still prone to make dodgy substitutions during games.
@dummy - sometimes it can be exciting to score in the dying moments of a match. But last night I was merely relieved. We need to get back on a winning streak asap.
@robbie - i wouldn't necessarily write him off just yet, but I find it puzzling to keep taking Keane off, especially last night.
@inderjit - yeah I guess it would be fair to expect that Rafa would have a more complete squad by now. I thought we were close enough during the summer but am doubting that now. The fullback positions are cause for some concern but the rest of the squad is ok.
@inderjit - agree we need creativity..Xavi anyone?
Kuyt is player I would keep but get someone else with more pace, ball control and skill for first choice.
Ngog needs time as does Lucas...I don't see many people complain when Gerrard gives the ball away...been happening a lot lately...I know he can always make something happen.
We need a right winger like Ribery(drools) and at least 1 full back for now...can't judge Degen yet:-)...not sure about strikers?
@sa lfc fan - Ribery would be a dream signing, just hope we have owners willing to spend some cash next year ;-)
Agger said he should have had a penalty for a challenge on him the box.
Can't see us spending any more money under the Americans. Fullbacks could do with improvement but the going rate for the likes of Bosingwa is over £15m. No chance of us spending that.
@mal - surely if Hicks & Gillet stick around, they won't be stupid enough to not spend money. Time will tell...
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