Liverpool 2011/12

[totsreds08]

Suarez behind a striker is where he is best. Last night he had far more influence on the game then what he has lately. Carroll didnt play too bad. Samba is a good player so it was always going to be tough but I thought he did alright. Just have to learn to score. Maxi and suarez need to pair more often !

[BTAC]

On that note totsreds, I don't understand the thinking behind Kenny playing Suarez as the furthest man forward and having Carroll drop deep. It's happening regularly and I don't understand it at all. Both of them are far more effective doing the other man's job.

[totsreds08]

I have no idea. I suppose it shows that Carroll isn't completely lazy but Suarez is a far better player behind Suarez and I think given the right service, Carroll can still turn out to be quality. Reckon if we give him a bit more of a run with the right service, he will come good!

[The Kop]

To be fair to Carroll, he’s had at least 5 goals this year kept out by outstanding saves, maybe more.
The two yesterday from 3 yards out were terrific instinctive keeping (even though he should have broken the net from that range), Hart’s save from his header vs City was out of this world, there was one vs Swansea (IIRC) which looked a perfect finish etc.

Suarez off Carroll is definitely the best setup. He should be bossing centre backs alike Drogba does and like he did in Newcastle days. But lacks the confidence now. Can only regain with a long run of games in the team. IMHO, here the Europa League is understated. He could have been thrown on against an unknown team on the continent, bagged a couple and got some swagger back. Eg, with Lucas last year, when Roy didn’t want him, chucked him in the Europa vs Steaua at home. He bossed the game and scored a 30 yarder, made it impossible even for owlface to drop him after that.

Clear as day 3 horse race for 4th spot now.
Looks like no one wants it!


Edit, also having Stevie G was a big uplift. Easy to forget our most creative midfielder has played 3 games all year. We created roughly just as many chances in the first half but the quality of them was a lot better with Gerrard on.
His class off set pieces (Charlie Adam I am disappoint) and final ball is exactly what we’ve been lacking.

[totsreds08]

Newcastle won't finish 4th but they will give it a shake up. The thing that will benefit us is the African cup. We won't lose anyone whereas Chelsea, arsenal and newcastle will

[The Kop]

Agree re Newcastle but I'd say Chelsea and Arsenal are reasonably safe from AfroNations Cup player drain.

Newcastle - Tiote and Ba will be massive loss.
Chelsea - Drogba. Kalou is 50/50 player at best. Nigeria didn't qualify so Mikel won't go and they;ve got that long without Essien probably won't notice difference.
Arsenal - Frimpong and Gervinho. But the big plus for them is Cameroon didn't qualify so Song stays. If the season ended today, Song's arguably in the team of the year. RVP stepped up as captain when Cesc left, but Song stepped up in midfield and has been beastly.

Plus I'd say Chelsea will buy a striker in Jan. Arsenal too maybe. So loss of Drogba and Gervinho minimalised.

[Nice One Cyril]

Agree re Newcastle but I'd say Chelsea and Arsenal are reasonably safe from AfroNations Cup player drain.

Newcastle - Tiote and Ba will be massive loss.
Chelsea - Drogba. Kalou is 50/50 player at best. Nigeria didn't qualify so Mikel won't go and they;ve got that long without Essien probably won't notice difference.
Arsenal - Frimpong and Gervinho. But the big plus for them is Cameroon didn't qualify so Song stays. If the season ended today, Song's arguably in the team of the year. RVP stepped up as captain when Cesc left, but Song stepped up in midfield and has been beastly.

Plus I'd say Chelsea will buy a striker in Jan. Arsenal too maybe. So loss of Drogba and Gervinho minimalised.

I love the way you've all apparently conceded third spot to Spurs. I wish I was that confident, we've still got some real tough ones left.

[10]

To be fair to Carroll, he’s had at least 5 goals this year kept out by outstanding saves, maybe more.
The two yesterday from 3 yards out were terrific instinctive keeping (even though he should have broken the net from that range), Hart’s save from his header vs City was out of this world, there was one vs Swansea (IIRC) which looked a perfect finish etc.

Suarez off Carroll is definitely the best setup. He should be bossing centre backs alike Drogba does and like he did in Newcastle days. But lacks the confidence now. Can only regain with a long run of games in the team. IMHO, here the Europa League is understated. He could have been thrown on against an unknown team on the continent, bagged a couple and got some swagger back. Eg, with Lucas last year, when Roy didn’t want him, chucked him in the Europa vs Steaua at home. He bossed the game and scored a 30 yarder, made it impossible even for owlface to drop him after that.

Clear as day 3 horse race for 4th spot now.
Looks like no one wants it!


Edit, also having Stevie G was a big uplift. Easy to forget our most creative midfielder has played 3 games all year. We created roughly just as many chances in the first half but the quality of them was a lot better with Gerrard on.
His class off set pieces (Charlie Adam I am disappoint) and final ball is exactly what we’ve been lacking.

As always, spot on Kop. Agree with Adam disappointing on set-pieces, thought his corners particularly would be an asset to us but he has struggled in that respect.

Positives: 1) Downing, exactly what we have missed in past seasons - a natural flanker 2) At least Carroll worked hard against Blackburn. I've said it before and I will again, had luck gone his way this year he easily could have had half a dozen goals unfit, with limited game time (a few of which would have been the winner). You can tell in his play he is lacking confidence but if we cut our losses with him like we did with R Keane then I would be filthy. He has potential if we play to his strengths and given time together I am sure he and Suarez will be able to link up well in the future.

That said, I would still like us to bring in a natural finisher to help Suarez. The amount of chances that guy creates is ridiculous, his finishing lets him down at times but I will put it down to his hard work to get into the positions (self-confessed bias). Maxi is undervalued in our squad, always seems to pop up with goals when starting. Would also like to see us bring in a DM, free Adam to enjoy his natural attacking role.

Stevie G will be our January signing, if he can get some fitness back we will be much better off for it. His passing ability takes our game to another level.

[matrightyeh]

liverpool overrated imo

[BTAC]

To be fair to Carroll, he’s had at least 5 goals this year kept out by outstanding saves, maybe more.
The two yesterday from 3 yards out were terrific instinctive keeping (even though he should have broken the net from that range), Hart’s save from his header vs City was out of this world, there was one vs Swansea (IIRC) which looked a perfect finish etc.

Suarez off Carroll is definitely the best setup. He should be bossing centre backs alike Drogba does and like he did in Newcastle days. But lacks the confidence now. Can only regain with a long run of games in the team. IMHO, here the Europa League is understated. He could have been thrown on against an unknown team on the continent, bagged a couple and got some swagger back. Eg, with Lucas last year, when Roy didn’t want him, chucked him in the Europa vs Steaua at home. He bossed the game and scored a 30 yarder, made it impossible even for owlface to drop him after that.

Clear as day 3 horse race for 4th spot now.
Looks like no one wants it!


Edit, also having Stevie G was a big uplift. Easy to forget our most creative midfielder has played 3 games all year. We created roughly just as many chances in the first half but the quality of them was a lot better with Gerrard on.
His class off set pieces (Charlie Adam I am disappoint) and final ball is exactly what we’ve been lacking.

Agree with all of that, especially regarding Carroll. I'm still a huge supporter of Carroll and think he'll be a beast for us, but he needs (as you say) some run of games and a chance to get the confidence flowing again. Oh and 'keepers need to stop doing their best Casillas impressions every time he has an effort.

[bapa]

Bunn, the keeper of Blackburn; what a game and the save he made against Carroll....
Wow!

[10]

Bunn, the keeper of Blackburn; what a game and the save he made against Carroll....
Wow!

and kudos to the 17 year old left full-back with a last second clearance off line from the resulting corner

[bapa]

Bunn, the keeper of Blackburn; what a game and the save he made against Carroll....
Wow!

and kudos to the 17 year old left full-back with a last second clearance off line from the resulting corner

Yeah him as well, how he kept that out- wow!

[El Capitano]

Most pundits have Liverpool out of the top 4 race.

[BTAC]

Suarez suspended for 1 match for his gesture after the Fulham game.

Hypocrisy, thy name is the FA.

[Nice One Cyril]

Suarez suspended for 1 match for his gesture after the Fulham game.

Hypocrisy, thy name is the FA.

Not having a good run atm is he? Hard to call them hypocrites over this one though, all the players know you can't do that.

Maybe it's culturally acceptable in Uruguay?

[Le King]

good to see the FA take action on this and not just let him off lightly

[The Kop]

Suarez suspended for 1 match for his gesture after the Fulham game.

Hypocrisy, thy name is the FA.

Not having a good run atm is he? Hard to call them hypocrites over this one though, all the players know you can't do that.

Maybe it's culturally acceptable in Uruguay?

Some consistency would be nice.
On another forum there was a dossier of a post full of players who had done the same for zero attention from the FA.

The 20k fine and warning for failing to control players was a joke too. If they applied that rule consistency across the board they’d be well on their way to paying off Greece’s debts!
Eg, Arsenal vs Wolves, the Wolves red card was almost identical to Spearing’s. Their players surrounded the ref and hounded him……..Nothing.

[Nice One Cyril]

Suarez suspended for 1 match for his gesture after the Fulham game.

Hypocrisy, thy name is the FA.

Not having a good run atm is he? Hard to call them hypocrites over this one though, all the players know you can't do that.

Maybe it's culturally acceptable in Uruguay?

Some consistency would be nice.
On another forum there was a dossier of a post full of players who had done the same for zero attention from the FA.

The 20k fine and warning for failing to control players was a joke too. If they applied that rule consistency across the board they’d be well on their way to paying off Greece’s debts!
Eg, Arsenal vs Wolves, the Wolves red card was almost identical to Spearing’s. Their players surrounded the ref and hounded him……..Nothing.

Have to agree. United get away with surrounding the ref almost every game.

[BTAC]

Suarez suspended for 1 match for his gesture after the Fulham game.

Hypocrisy, thy name is the FA.

Not having a good run atm is he? Hard to call them hypocrites over this one though, all the players know you can't do that.

Maybe it's culturally acceptable in Uruguay?

It's actually easier than ever to call them hypocrites over this one. Half a dozen instances come to mind just off the top of my head of players giving gestures to the crowd and/or other players and not being punished for it.

[Nice One Cyril]

Suarez suspended for 1 match for his gesture after the Fulham game.

Hypocrisy, thy name is the FA.

Not having a good run atm is he? Hard to call them hypocrites over this one though, all the players know you can't do that.

Maybe it's culturally acceptable in Uruguay?

It's actually easier than ever to call them hypocrites over this one. Half a dozen instances come to mind just off the top of my head of players giving gestures to the crowd and/or other players and not being punished for it.

The others were waving to their friends and rellies.

[BTAC]

The others were waving to their friends and rellies.

Mr Bean style?

[Redders]

What a difference Mr Gerrard makes.

[10]

woodwork again for Carroll! how that Newcastle challenge went unpunished is beyond me, think he has a chunk of Spearing's shin in his boot still

[Nice One Cyril]

What a difference Mr Gerrard makes.

One of the few players that has the ability to drag a whole team along behind him. Can't do it as often as he used to but still a great player on his day.

[totsreds08]

Very good weekend for us result wise so far! If we knew how to beat shit teams, we'd have 3rd place right now but I'll be content if we can push for 4th. Bellamy is one of the signings of the season. The more he plays, the More he proves himself! Jan 1st now. Transfer window is open. Would like to see us buy another striker. I've read reports that Chelsea have failed to agree terms with Cahill so we might try steal him. Not sure if we need him. Coates has a lo of potential but I suppose we could take him especially with carra getting a bit beyond it now.

[Litmanen]

woodwork again for Carroll! how that Newcastle challenge went unpunished is beyond me, think he has a chunk of Spearing's shin in his boot still

Torres hit the bar with his first shot last night.

Maybe they're both cursed???

or maybe they're just both shit :p

[10]

Arsenal losing, another good result for us.

Man City game tomorrow morning is massive!

[The Kop]

A point would be very handy.
Hardest away game will be out the way tomorrow with our closest rivals for 4th to be played at home on the run in.
Saw the Chelsea game too, they looked a rabble (especially in the first half) and susceptible off set pieces.

Don’t think either side are particularly better.
IF we can sort out finishing (defence and lead-up play is near perfect) we should outpace them to the finish especially as they’ve both got CL duties which might stretch their squads.

[PhilDunphy]

Gary Ablett, former Liverpool & Everton defender, dies at 46

Gary Ablett, the only player to win the FA Cup with both Liverpool and Everton, has died at the age of 46 following a battle against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The defender played more than 100 games for both Merseyside clubs and Birmingham. He also managed Stockport.
Read tributes to Ablett from both sides of Liverpool

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said: "The most important thing is to pay our respects to Gary, his wife Jacqueline, the two boys and his wee girl.

"It's a sad day for his family and everyone connected with Liverpool FC."

Having joined Liverpool as an apprentice in 1982, Ablett made his debut in December 1986.

Under manager Dalglish, in his first spell in charge of the Anfield club, he helped a dominant Reds win the League title in 1988 and 1990 and the FA Cup in 1989.

He was sold to arch-rivals Everton for £750,000 in January 1992 and went on to lift the FA Cup with them in 1995.

After a loan spell at Sheffield United, he joined Birmingham in 1996 and went on to make 104 appearances there.

After short spells at Wycombe and Blackpool, Ablett finished his playing career at Long Island Rough Riders in the American A-League in 2001.

In 2002, he moved into coaching, working with Everton's youth academy until 2006 when he took over as Liverpool reserve team coach.

GARY ABLETT'S PLAYING CAREER

Liverpool (1983-92) 147 appearances, 1 goal
Derby (1985 loan) 8 appearances
Hull (1986-7 loan) 5 appearances
Everton (1992-96) 156 appearances, 6 goals
Sheff Utd (1996 loan) 12 appearances
Birmingham (1996-99) 124 appearances, 2 goals
Wycombe (1999 loan) 4 appearances
Blackpool (2000) 12 appearances, 1 goal

He became Stockport manager in July 2009 but endured a difficult season as the club, crippled by financial administration, were relegated to League Two.

Ablett left in June 2010 when the 2015 Group took ownership of the club and was coaching at Ipswich Town when he fell ill.

Ablett had been fighting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, for 16 months.

Last year, he gave his backing to Blue September, a campaign to raise awareness of forms of cancer specifically affecting men.

In an interview with the Everton website, he described the shock of being diagnosed.

"I thought it can't be me, it just can't," he said. "I felt so strong - I had played for the best two teams in the world, coached for the best two teams in the world. It can't be me. But unfortunately it was."

He added: "If you feel anything, you need to get it checked out. I've done it previously in the past when I had cancer in my toe.

"Get it checked, don't mess around. Don't ever think it can't be you because it could be. Cancer doesn't discriminate - it can attack anyone at any time."

Ablett's three main clubs - Liverpool, Everton and Birmingham - all carried tributes to their former player on their websites, offering their condolences to his family.

The League Managers' Association also recognised the former Stockport boss.

"Respected throughout the game by players, coaches and managers alike, Gary will be sadly missed," an LMA statement said.

RIP