As most would agree, this Liverpool side play some free flowing football. With attractive attacking football fundamental, players are encourage to find space to hurt opposition. This is the result of BR unshackling the attacking part of the team. Our approach under Houllier and Rafa were always measured, control and possession based.

With BR, there is a lax in control and in don't mean it in a negative way, instead, players are encouraged to make runs and creative passes to unlock defences. Unfortunately, this unshackling and creative freedom comes at a cost, a shakier defense - as players took risk and run into empty space which created a void in return, that can be exploited.

As such, like it or not, SG is still the figure head in midfield, being the more measured player. He took calculated risk as oppose to all out attack, and he understand that tracking back is crucial to prevent the defense from being exposed. AS such, the flow of yesterday's game was affected with SG in the side. Not blaming SG in any shape or form, but a lot of fine tuning is needed for this team to mature. I'd say it is still work in progress unless the right personnel can come in. Skrtle, altho is not world class defender, but I think is the best available option, given his balance in both aggression and pace. As such I cant see BR dropping Skrtle, and also part reason we go for Sakho, for his pace, off the ball and aggression. Without a pacey defender, we wont be able to attack as free flow as we possibly can.

Ideally, if we can get someone that fit the profile of Mark Van Bommel or Philipe Cocu, or Hamann, then I'd think we have sufficiently strengthen the squad. Again it is not easy to find the right CM. Manure been searching highlow for the right person to operate from the middle, but no avail, the reason scoles was recalled last season....and did their recent acquisition felaini solve their issue? I am sure not...all in all, January might not be the right time to get the right sort of player to fill the CM position altho I wouldn't mind Kevin DeBruyne, but how I wish...

No, we are not expecting him to be 10 years younger, but we do expect him to not give possession away unnecessary and draw pressure back to us, which he did many times on Saturday. You yourself mentioned in your previous post that the DM is part of the fault for the goals. Gerrard WAS the deepest midfielder.

Contrary to what you have said, we do have options. We could have started Henderson and Lucas in the middle, why not? I rather take safe passes than what Gerrard offered on Saturday.

All I was saying is Gerrard had an off game. The difference between Gerrard having an off game today than 10 years ago is that, with the lack of pace and legs, he will be a bigger burden to the team. I'm sure when he returns to his usual sharpness, he would spray those long, early passes. But that doesn't mean he was above criticism on Saturday.

But you just said the criticism for Gerrard is not justified yet you outlined some criticisms? I personally thought he should have started the game as there was no other alternatives and i think he did well for most part of the game. But he was also sloppy at times and were involved in at least 2 of the goals we conceded.

why johnson stil able to be in the starting line-up was beyond me. i think the half fit kelly should be better than him.

so whats up with the transfer news now?

It still a misery for me. Also, gerrard. No matter how poor he is, he will be automatic starter..no one has ball to drop him and some even afraid to criticize him..imagine if allen play poor like gerrard yesterday..

Both goals were scored when both our FB was not around. One from the right and one from the left. I mean if SG had to cover for the FB, thats tough. Not only did cissokho look clueless, he shoot have passed when there was an opportunity for SAS to score instead he took a shot that would have been a homerun if it was a baseball game.

Tottenham are going through somewhat of a revival since Tim Sherwood took charge with I find somewhat surprising given his lack managerial experience. Not seen him since he was playing for Spurs. They've taken something like 16 points from a possible 18. They do however have the toughest fixture list in the second half of the season amongst the current top sides so it remains to be seen if they can keep this momentum going. In any case I've always advocated worrying about our own fortunes first.

On the Suarez issues I'm tired of the media constantly singling him out.  They're  still talking about the Guzan incident up until today despite numerous pundits (including one Gary Neville i might add) dispelling any notions that it was a dive. Fact of the matter is almost every player goes down under the slightest bit of contact especialy in the box.

Read some forums somewhere, seems BR's buys (record) were abysmal. FSG isn't gonna sanction over top dollar for players valuation. Most likely nada transfer at all in this january.

Sit tight, we are gonna be a interesting 2nd half of the season.

I suppose we need to find every grit, strength at every socks, boots, players dressing room we can muster for the remaining season.

Sterling pace is godlike. But lack of finishing and flare.

My opinion is he's too lembik. Frustrate defender, too easily fouled. Already earned two penalty lol

This dude is more of a finished article compared to Salah. Watch Salah's video off youtube and you will have an impression that he is very speedy and constantly making runs off the ball looking for scoring opportunities. Konoplyanka on the other hand is much more skillful on the ball and is able to score from outside the box.

settle with a 2-0 win
win with a 4-0 is bonus
win with a 1-0 is expected