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...

If I review SG as a player, I can hardly find any fault both technically and physically. He is at the right height, strong physical strength, great ability with his feet...not to mention 2 footed packed with power. A player that excel in open play as well as set pieces, ohh and nearly miss out - a decent header of the ball too....

I must admit that since SG return in the match vs Stoke, our midfield is less fluent, with some dynamic movement curtailed to a certain degree...but as I said earlier, there will be a lot of fine tuning and education from BR's part to make it work...the switch from attack to defend and vice versa is not as easy as a flip of the switch...I am sure SG can play the role of the DM or even Sweeper if needed, he is after all a marvelous tackler of the ball....I am just glad that BR sent out the message that SG will play a deep lying midfield..it is also a message to prospective players that the position is vacant and that we need strengthening. You'll never know whether the name SG will scare away good prospects, and how SG will affect them, just look at Hendo and Aquaman...

Based on current play, a number of players need to adapt and quickly, in order to maintain our sort of attacking play, these includes Hendo, SG, Allen and Lucas...I cant emphasize enuf that we are both short and sufficient in the middle of the park, depending on what formation we play with...but one type of player we definitely cant get enough is Coutinho type - more fluid, excellent control & 1st touch...good passing range, altho mostly within the box or just outside, a softer type of player. A good comparison is between ronaldo and messi...where the former is more power packed, strong running and turns, bullet of a shot and thunderous free kick, whereas the latter - is softer, more placing than power, breathtaking 1st touch and fluid play with constant interplay, not to mention an eye for quick pass into the channel...For me gerard is more ronaldo-ish...than say messi-ish...age is also unforgiving, as such, i would say no no to play SG in advance role..as he neither the 1st touch nor fluidity...not least, SG's dink and thru passing is unimpressive.

Didnt catch the match in full as I was out, but still manage to catch glimpses of the match in the 1st half and all 3 goals - we didnt start playing until the end of the half....essentially this match is another new experience for the boys..it is 4-2-4 in a way...not that i blame BR for being gungho as owners flew in from the states and it is a match play at own turf's in anfield afterall..but the case in point, there is no triangle for BR to flip..that became our problem - our midfield stronghold was loose and there is no pressing both upfield and own-half....both fullbacks dint add credence to attack and defensive duties add to the frailties..having said this, it is the 1st match Sturij started, which means the whole team need readjustments..and mignolet had a poor game, and i mean games, not only yesterday but the past few games now...

The only few positives we had 1) our home record is intact 2) mentality of the lads is strong, the will to get back into the game is good 3) hendo came to grip with the return of SG...plus AV is no pushover, altho they are not consistent, but they did turn up yesterday..against Arsenal, they arent too bad either, could be a sign of return to form for the Villans, which itself is good, probably they could nick a point or two from other top 4 aspirants...

There is no quick fix for Mignolet, at best he is a strong no2...for now..

What's worse, those who talk c**k in the star column..i bet those dint even know about their club..but bragging away like d**k head, in fact manure thread is a mess..total meltdown...their usual rant for the moyesy to be sack...this player cannot, that player cannot...no world class player is attracted to their club anymore...I personally felt, they can no longer buy their way to success, at most they can spend 50-60 million before it hits glazer...as such a long term manager is in place to rebuilt, albeit will take time...and long may they take their time...hahaha....

Of divings and signings, the hooohaaa about Suarez's so called dive is a none-issue...the rule of the game is, for a keeper to rush out, he must be confident of at least touching the ball, in a sense, attack the ball not the player...even with a slight of touch of the ball 1st, he would be absolved from giving away a penalty...but the reality as we all know, after countless of review, Suarez did push the ball ahead of Guzan...and there was indeed contact made. If the arguments is about whether a player should go down easily or not, we leave it for another day...these media spin, goes to show the lack of substance from editors - spinning news for the sake of being provocative..move on, its becoming stale...

On signings, well, just struck me, if it is possible, Salah's deal was made to wait...until towards the last few days of this transfer window before we can get our man. I am assuming that Basel is inviting bids from prospective clubs...rather fortunately there is yet any movement or confirm bid, which could work in favour of us...since we the only club with registered interest.

Must say that I am surprise Moan would approve the sales of Mata, to a rather close rival - no more....unless its done in view of FFP, and also taking into consideration that they make a profit from sales, which is not often with chelski, I would say its fair deal from blues point of view. As to why manure need a carbon copy of a player like kagawa, I think moyes would be the better person to answer that.

Its somewhat disheartening that after chelski release Mata, they are in the frame for salah, and so did another club, guess who...Spurs..and with reports that they are willing to offload Capoue, I really felt as if the reports are true, here's to fingers cross that we still in pole position for Salah's signature - with latest 10 million already agreed subject to medical. And if, just if we missed out on Salah, I wuldnt mind if we can get Yarmolenko...class..a player with jaw dropping touches and close control..all around dribble and massive attacking thrust..all the hallmarks that BR prefer in an attacking player

I personally don't think a club such as Liverpool, with it's reputation could not attract good players...it all boils down to money...or the lack of it.

I think there is a shift in emphasis, as I view Salah as a little luxury to have, to bump up our attack, which is in fairness doing fine at the moment. Either we get him for 12-16 million, or we get a proper 1st teamer at 20million during the summer. Altho it is risky to put off any signings now, what not with 4th place at stake, but sometimes, somethings can't be force. Still remember the 'force' signing of Downing - to complement Carrol...

To me, it doesn't matter whether Ayre low-balled for Salah, to me, its more important that Liverpool get their players at the right price and those who want to play for the shirt. In Salah's case, I just felt that he is a willing participant on the bench, eventho its claim on the contrary...

We move on from Salah...as what we did with Mikhtryan..I am sure there will be a Yarmolenko, Rakitic, etc etc..I am sure Chelsea wont buy them all without risking player's revolt

No salah no cry, that's how i see it...yes no doubt its a spanner to BR's plan, but the good news is, Moses seem to rediscover his grooves...he is anything but 1st starter, but to signed Salah, when we don't need an AM is an overkill - ultimately we can only play 11 players on the field...with SAS occupying 2 starters, I have doubts where can Salah actually slot in without compromising the balance between attack and defensive duties in the middle...bearing in mind that we have Cout and Sterling on relative good form - with SG and Hendo having to adapt to each other...I just cant see where can Salah fit in on the go and can create the sort of impact, expected of an impact player...from what limited that I can see of Salah's play, he occupy Cout's position, playmaker with license to roam - left/right/ctr....do we have the luxury of keeping on board Salah, without playing, just like what he'll do at Chelsea - on the bench...definitely not.

Having said this, I don't think Mata is the solution for manure either...eventho many may claim that he is a coup, and that they culd start to challenge for top 4...I cant deny that mata culd have the galvanising effect just like ozil, but I belif its a little too late for that, plus I don't see much difference between mata n kagawa...except maybe minor skills and touches...If we can stick to our consistency, even without reinforcement, we shoud see thru this season for UCL...the only concern is our 1st teamers have seen too much action for comfort - playing Bournemouth with an almost full strength squad? One wonders how much more do Aspas and Alberto have to do to get a start...Aspas is certainly aggrieve to not get any of game time, after scoring his last game..this kinda stop start is not good for player's confidence and momentum...if BR could rotate his squad consistently, we wont be perceived as too thin, as what we have, we never utilize...not slating BR just my POV...

I guess FFP in a way, protects clubs from financial bullying - which is a welcome move tbh...I mean, it is always a point of contention, if a club jack up the prices of a player from another club, this is kinda unhealthy in the long run - as the chain reaction would trickle down to smaller clubs who struggle to remain relevant amidst crazy money being thrown around.....Liverpool is no exception, altho we are technically a big club without UCL, but still remain in the top 10 earnings (based on next years broadcast money), even then we have 2 potentials being hijacked...

There is no right or wrong way for a club to be based on certain models of operating...fsg may have their own criterias for managing the club, which in fairness is moving steadily compare to the carnival during the reign of the 2 stooges. This we can see from Chevrolet to dunkin's deal done this year alone...As for the blues, I think they are in it for the long haul - whatnot with their attempt to purchase Battersea for their stadium expansion - only to outbid by our Msian-owned SP Setia...

Will the real Victor brings Victory tonight? In this case Moses..yes, granted that he's been inconsistent, a point he readily admit..I know that what he did @ bournemouth might not warrant a return to 1st eleven, but i tot it would be nice to have a player wanted by everton until we got him on loan - yes its moses..we got him on loan ahead of everton. If theres a game he wanted to prove he made the right choice, its this game....furthermore, games will be invaluable to this fella, having seen his chance dealt a severe blow with the signing of salah, which could be the umphteenth nail to the coffin in terms of his career at the bridge..if there is no place for mata..gulp..god bless him....he need the stage to perform, or else its curtain...

Well, for every Sturij deal, there is a dempsey - which was a FLOP...for every coutinho, there's a Carrol..what about joe cole, we got ahead of spurs, signed him on huge salary, but turn out a turkey...if the club felt Salah is above valuation, so be it..there is no sure thing written over this Salah's forehead...he still need to prove his worth, just like sigurdson, who is not a qualified success at spur by any means....

Its a Merseyside Chainsaw Massacre! yeah..its a bit corny, but you cant take away the over-the top result and the show we put on. It could easily be a BIG 5-0...which would be a comprehensive white wash. With novice defenders being put out by Martinez as a result of injury, our attack had a field day..the pace is so searing, we cut thru the midfield like a hot knife into butter.

And yes, Flanagan neutralized both Pienaar and Baines....with the help of Sterling patrolling the channel..if only Moses can do exactly what Sterling is doing both upfield and down, he would be undroppable too.

My only lament is why Aspas is not brought into the match when we have a healthy 4 goals lead...rednose would have no qualms about introducing youngsters when the match is secured. We know we have 2 deadly strikers in SAS, just tot that its no harm to let the 3rd striker see some action...

Instead of Xmas gifts, which we got nothing during the stretch, meeting both Citeh and Blues, no points to show for, but plenty of admiration..Now we culd be handed an ang pow instead, if Kono sign for us by beating the deadline..And there was rumour that Kono would have been our summer target, but my gut feeling is Kono culd be one of a few options during summer - prospects with contract running down. By paying 15million, we are in a way stumping up a premium, which of course is the assurance that we get someone in before the window shut.

Altho i rated Yarmolenko slightly more,,probably in terms of trickery, what Konoplianka brings is penetration, direct running, great control and most important of all - shooting. The threat outside the penalty box could do with a bit of reinforcement - this is in particular - both Cout and Sterling are not noted for their shot from distance, SG is at the rate of diminishing return, while hendo have yet to score a 20 yarder...we could do with a few bolts and arrows from Kono to be honest.

The only risk from Konoplianka's signing is his ability to step up, bearing in mind that Ukrainian league is at least 1 or 2 notch slower and less competitive than the BPL....certainly his performance against England illustrate his mobility, but there are other factors to content with, adaptability is another crucial elements which hindered players such as Pavlyuchenko from flourishing in the BPL (yes he is Russian)...all in all there isnt one player from Ukrain/Russia that made it big in the BPL bar Kanchelskis decades ago..Players such as Serg Rebrov, Shevchenko and Voronin all withered amid great expectation...with this kinda track record, i'd say its a big big call by BR to press ahead with Konoplianka..Having said this, i really hope this player can buck the trend to help us secure 4th..Happy Chinese New Year, and hope that all will have an even better 2nd day of the CNY..gongxi gongxi

Its quite emotional these days in the thread..some are getting irritable and snappy...granted, Toure's mistake is akin to school boy error, and that Mignolet was over eager to get things started..watching this match kinda reminds me the game against Hull..freaking poor opposition but failure to capitalize...there is a reason to be cautious tho, especially the unfamiliarity with pepe mel, untried and untested manager...BR could have set up his team on counter attacking mode, just like how the plan works seamlessly against everton -but it was not to be at the Hawthornes...

We are sitting on fourth but a check on current form, we are actually 7ths, below even Spurs...this the result of too many draws, as such eventho konoplyanka isnt exactly the player we need during this window, but his presence can surely tilt our attack, giving us an edge in terms of outscoring opponent, but its againt its not meant to be...even Coutinho is showing sign of slacking, which is a worry..Konoplyanka would have added some competition either on the left or in the middle... to sum up, tHis transfer window have done more harm than good for us i would say...

I tend to agree that Liverpool was in the news for the wrong reason, a tad bit too often recently especially in transfer related issue. From Dempsey, Mikhtryan, Willian and now Kono...the transfer committee got a red in scorecard tbh....For all the good things fsg brought to the club, i sure hope they can iron out this achilles problem, which brought the club in bad light. Some may say that we do our business quietly, our tradition, our way..but in these day and age, with teh information superhighway, its almost impossible to conduct business on silent mode, but if the target is identified - then we shuld at least be doubly sure of getting the man..

I felt Ayre bore the brunt from the fans, eventho i belif he is the mere messenger to fsg during negotiation, with little power for executive decision. Instead of low balling, i am guessing its more of issues with coordination and communication. With Werner hardly in the thick of the action in terms of running the club, and henry being across the atlantic, the logistics is hardly favorable for any sort of negotiation. If there's anything we can improve on other than the squad, i felt the management of the club can do with a bit of tightening.

The squad is also undergoing major learning curve over 2 season's in charge by BR. Besides fine tuning the one touch, the running, the passing and release of the ball, we have yet to catch on to the concept of working the ball out of the defense. The defense have so far been less and comfortable playing with the ball, as evident during Everton and WBA's games. We did better during the early season, but when opposition press the ball on our half's, we are not arrogant enuf on the ball. I read that we conceded the most of defensive error which result in goals against, which is understandable given that we play with the aim of death by possession. In order to retain the ball, the defense and midfield have to play the ball out. AS such expect to see lesser of Migno doing quick throws, and long punts ala Reina.