Post by deadbat on Feb 28, 2021 23:36:27 GMT
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It was not a surprise that Liverpool ended a recent poor run of form and four successive defeats to get back to winning ways against the bottom of the table Blades side. Jurgen Klopp had become involved in an odd spat with United manager Wilder earlier in the season but it was the German who got the better of his counterpart making it four wins out of four for the Reds over the Blades in the last two seasons. In a game where United at least had a go, after some pitiful recent defeats, they were indebted though to Aaron Ramsdale who kept them in the game before two goals from Curtis Jones and a Kean Bryan deflected effort took the game away from the Blades. United created little but nearly got an own goal in the first half and Oli McBurnie missed a good headed chance at 0-1. In truth Liverpool could have had 7 or 8 goals though with better finishing or with Ramsdale not on his game and the margin of victory flattered the home side despite toiling for long spells.
United made two changes with one enforced and one chosen. In came Norwood for Basham with Ampadu switching to defence and McGoldrick was brought back for Sharp, with Oli McBurnie retaining his place up front. Liverpool were without goalkeeper Alisson due to compassionate reasons and Adrian came in. Nat Phillips started at the back alongside Ozan Kabak. There was no Jordan Henderson but they still had the much-vaunted front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino.
Under the lights, the Blades started in competitive fashion and McBurnie flicked onto McGoldrick who was brought down for a free kick. Norwood put a dangerous one in and via a combination of McGoldrick and Mane, the ball went towards Adrian who made the save although the striker may have been offside if the ball had gone in.
Liverpool’s first threat came with a diagonal ball over the top that put in Robertson and as Baldock switched off, Ramsdale did well to come off his line and out of his box to execute the clearance. The game had been relatively even and United had been able to win their fair share of tackles and have enough of the ball but ought to have been behind on 10 minutes as a ball over the top saw Ampadu lose the header and Firmino was in after the ball broke a bit fortuitously. The striker was one on one but as Ramsdale went down he hit the keeper and was not able to lift it over him. It was a really good save. After Ampadu miskicked the ball was returned and several other attempts to clear was missed and Robertson’s cross shot nearly caught the keeper out who again did well to flick behind.
Liverpool now were taking control and Jones individual skill got him away from the trailing Lundstram but the midfielder at least got back to hold him up and from the resultant corner McBurnie showed his aerial prowess at the back.
On 16 minutes, Bryan fired in a good ball to McBurnie who held the ball up to McGoldrick whose shot hit his fellow striker on the way through and was tipped round the post by Adrian.
Ramsdale had been alert all night and came out and clasped the ball again but his poor kick led to a diagonal ball that caught out Baldock again and Jones was in but the keeper managed to recover his error with a brave block.
United won another free kick but Fleck’s poor free kick saw Liverpool break after Mane got away from McBurnie but the Scottish midfielder got ack to make the interception as the Reds threatened to get in.
Bryan put in a good ball but McBurnie could not react quick enough before Jagielka got in at the other end to make a block after Baldock went down too easily and Salah hit a fierce shot.
Another back pass that was unnecessary to Ramsdale saw the ball come back again and was between Bryan and Jagielka for Salah who cut in and tried to go across the United keeper but he made another good save. Soon after Norwood and Ampadu overplayed in trying to defend and the latter’s poor ball was straight to Alexander Arnold who hit a fierce shot after coming inside and sitting his man down but once again Ramsdale made the big save with firm hands.
On 35 minutes, United thought they were ahead against the run of play as the ball over the top put McBurnie in a chase with Kabak and the defender knocked it past his own keeper Adrian completely wrong footing him in a goal reminiscent to the one Chelsea scored for the Blades recently. However, the flag went up and replays showed it was the right decision and not that close.
McGoldrick did well to hold things up and found Fleck after strong and clever link play but the midfielder took too long and once again the flag went up although this time it may have been closer if anything had resulted.
Fleck slipped over in the middle of the park and Salah had a chance but Jagielka made a good block again before another great chance came to the Champions. Wijnaldum was teed up by Thiago and was given way too much time to pick his spot but his fierce shot was beaten away by the excellent Ramsdale again. The rebound came to Firmino who seemed set too score but strangely opted to pass and his ball across goal was cleared by the relieved United defence.
On 42 minutes, another free kick opportunity presented but McGoldrick’s header lacked the necessary purchase and was cleared. Subsequently, Lundstram’s pass was overplayed to McBurnie.
There were no further chances as half time came without any additional time played. Liverpool really should have been in front with several clear chances and Ramsdale had been inspired but the Blades had caused a few problems the other way and it was not one-way traffic.
The second half was only a few minutes old when Liverpool took the lead. Stevens lost a 50-50 tackle and as the ball broke, Trent Alexander reacted quicker and Stevens dithered again. The ball was close to going out but as it came across Jagielka’s clearance was poor and none of the midfield reacted at all. The ball sat perfectly for JONES who smashed home.
After this Liverpool started going through the gears and United struggled to hold them. Mane was in and clipped home but the offside flag saved them.
Alexander Arnold then fired wide after a mazy run when he ran through and it may have taken a touch off Jagielka. Liverpool were threatening to run riot and Wilder made two changes with Burke and Osborn on for McGoldrick and Jagielka. United switched to 4-4-2 in at attempt to get a foot hold back in the game an for a spell it seemed to work.
United had a great chance to level when Norwood’s cross was superbly whipped in and McBurnie had to score but headed wide under no pressure.
United had another chance when McBurnie was in on the angle but the striker took too long and Kabak got his foot in and cleared. The corner came in but as Adrian punched clear, Norwood fired well wide as it dropped in a difficult chance.
After this improvement, Liverpool took the game away from the Blades. Jones did well down the right and played it inside and Firmino was able to take several touches as Bryan and Ampadu did not go to him. Stevens then walked past the ball and as the shot came in, it went in off BRYAN (OG) and looped over the diving Ramsdale and it was 2-0. It was a fortunate deflection as it was probably going wide but once again poor defending from the Blades and it was all too easy.
United tried to respond and Burke got in down the side but his cross shot went further away from goal than towards it summing up his lack of confidence in front of goal. Two poor moments from Lundstram then broke up two possible attacks as Burke continued to threaten but Ampadu made a good tackle as Mane nearly got in down the right.
United had a bit more of the ball but Liverpool were really comfortable now and were easing to the victory.
Robertson got in after good football saw it moved across but he fired it over with 15 minutes left to play. Milner came on for Thiago in Liverpool’s first change. It should have been 3-0 as Robertson’s cross saw Salah somehow put the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.
Sharp came on for Fleck with 10 minutes to play as Wilder opted not to use Brewster or one of the other young players. Mane got away from Ampadu and stayed on his feet. If he had gone down, he would have got a penalty in all likelihood.
A late chance for Burke saw him nearly get in but he could not get the ball away and Adrian made the block as he tried to go round him. The game entered three minutes of stoppage time but nothing really happened of note and Liverpool saw things out to get back to winning ways.
United – It was better than the last few games and we were still well beaten. I thought the players mostly tried and at times they did compete but we lacked the quality once again in the key areas and Liverpool created tons of chances despite us doing our best. I never thought we would win the game and the quality they had meant it was inevitable they would score and we could not rely on Ramsdale for the whole game. Overall, Liverpool were worthy winners and whilst they were not amazing, they did not have to as another team won at a canter really conceding few chances and creating tons at the other end. We simply lacked the quality all over the field even to cope with an out of form Liverpool side.
I felt at least we competed for spells today (we did ok for 10 minutes to start and then 5 minutes at -0-1) and were in the game it felt, certainly first half although much of that was down to Ramsdale. We had a few half chances and the offside goal that they did not really know much about in terms of playing McBurnie offside. However after we started the game ok, Liverpool had most of the ball and carved us open at times and if it was not for Ramsdale it could have been 4-0 at half time. Still, I thought we were ok actually as daft as it sounds. I did not think we were as pitiful as at Fulham or West Ham and at least had some attacks. The front two were a bit of a nuisance and the team did work hard. It was just we lacked quality all over the field and anything decent came from them. If they had been more clinical then they would have been out of sight really. So, whilst we did ok, Liverpool were still much better than us. They had so many chances. Firmino, Salah, Jones, Wijnaldum, Manah, Trent Alexander. Even though we were in the game, they had 4 or 5 really clear chances. I felt no one had been awful really for us but they were just faster, skilled and better. We tried and for the most part did what we could but the players were just inferior. Despite that we did have some spells and a few half chances and won a few free kicks. I felt McBurnie and McGoldrick competed even though were not goal threats but as the game went on, they became less of a threat.
The second half we never started and they blew us away. The first goal is once again pathetic defending as Stevens loses a tackle and then does not get back. Jagielka then does not clear and no one reacts and we all ball watch as the lad scores an easy goal. After this they could have been out of sight as they had several chances with an offside goal and Trent Alexander nearly getting in but we made changes and went 4-4-2 and improved for a 5-10 minutes spell. As dominant as they had been, we had a golden chance as Norwood found McBurnie and he has to score. It was a header under no pressure. He then had another chance but took too long. They then get a second after more poor defending from us as he just walks through. Several at fault here. Ramsdale once again badly exposed.
After this the game was gone. They just saw it out and I think other than a wild Burke shot, they had more chances but it kind of fizzled out. A shocking miss from Salah should have made it 3-0. It just became an easy and professional win. Liverpool did make mistakes at the back but we could not capitalise. I think the Sky pundits summed it up that a better team would have profited from a poor back line and not sure Liverpool were always great in possession really and gave it away a fair but we often gave it back or could not keep it.
It was not a dreadful showing nor were we completely annihilated but it was a routine Liverpool win where they could have had a lot more goals and just needed to be patient. McBurnie did have the chance at 0-1 but you do think even if he scores there, they just up it again and score again. The first 10 minutes of the second half they stepped up the pace and intensity and we could not cope and did not react. We looked all over the place and they picked us off and looked like scoring every time. Once they got the second it was done which ironically after we had a bit better spell. Both teams would have just shook hands then.
After picking up mid-January we now are on another awful run and it is hard to see where the next point is coming from. We have not scored now for nearly 3 and a half games (and that was the Chelsea own goal!) and we remain on target for our worst ever individual season – 1975-76 which was 22 points from 42 – we did get less 19 in 1890-91 from only 18 games and then 15-24 points in war time seasons but these were hardly any games at all. We still need a point to better Derby’s worst ever Premier League season.
The positives are that the keeper did well. Bryan did not disgrace himself also. However, the main positive is it is another game closer to the end of the season.
We now have 12 left (13 if you count the Cup) and it will be 10 by the end of the week! This season just needs to be over. We will probably be mathematically down with about half the games left of the ones we have left to play at this rate. I will be glad in some ways and then they can stop talking about us. It is like the TV companies do not even want to show us and I cannot blame them. If you asked the team and Wilder if we could just concede the rest of the games and pack up now and have a break, they would probably would. Even the fans would probably take losing every game (maybe give us a point too get off the record) if it meant it being done. It continues to be depressing and predictable. As I say not even sure we were awful today but still well beaten and inferior in every aspect to the opponent. We are just not good enough and all those saying West Brom are worse now cannot even make that argument.
We are destined now to finish rock bottom and be one of the worst teams in Premier League ever. It’s been a disaster from the form, results, injuries, signings, manager, you name it. Not sure there is any real positives (Bogle, McGoldrick a bit and Ramsdale maybe a bit now) of the whole season. It just needs to end. My concern is that there will be a huge hangover/carry on and it will be very hard just to flick a switch (yes I know Norwich did but most teams that have gone down like this if you go through history have struggled the next season) and I am concerned unless we change things with a number of fresh players that it will be a tough return in the Championship. I am not convinced that all these players (Norwood, Stevens, Brewster, McBurnie etc) will suddenly just start playing well and dominate at the lower level – it takes a lot to turn round confidence and form. We are not playing as a team, we don’t look together, ship goals and chances every week and don’t look like scoring. There are fundamental issues all over the side and those that just feel these get fixed at the click of a finger as we are going down a division may be in for a shock.
Wilder has a huge job this summer for his own future and for the players – that is if he stays. I still feel he may walk away when relegation is confirmed. Just a gut feeling from his interviews and how he has presented the last few months.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 8.5/10 – First half he was superb with several great saves, some were at him but he made several really good ones too– one from Firmino, a brave one from Jones, then from Salah as he came in on the angle, Trent Alexander then hit one he saved well and finally strong hands from Wijnaldum. He was quick off his line, alert and seemed really up for it. He had a few errant kicks but felt he was put under pressure too much with back passes. Second half he was exposed again with the two goals with no chance on either (the second a deflection). After this they had a few chances go wide and he did not quite have as much to do but made 5 or 6 great saves first half. He had improved his performances greatly over the recent last matches. I feel sorry for him as the team is giving him so much to do. It is a bit embarrassing how many chances teams are having really.
Baldock 4.5/10 – Started slow and off it as he let Robertson get in a few times and then Jones. Was not focused or looking what was behind him. Did not get much help from Lundstram. Just not tight enough to his man. No confidence going forward – kept getting it and then coming back rather than driving or crossing. Second half carried on being too far off his man and they continued to get through us but again had no protection at all. I will not give him as low a mark as others due to the fact the midfield did not help him at all. Continued to not want to cross or drive with it and came back when he did attack. Seen some saying we might lose him. I am sorry but he is another whose form has nose dived after a decent start to the season and not even been a regular. No Premier League clubs will look at someone who is not even our first choice I would say when Bogle is fit. Looks a long way from the player from last season as with the rest even though he maybe had not quite fallen off the cliff as much as Stevens and Norwood.
Stevens 3/10 – As with Baldock just felt he was not close enough to his man as the movement and running was a bit much. He also going forward seemed really tentative and slow at making decisions and rarely crosses it or tried to go forward. Just looks lacking confidence. He did put a few balls in first half but none found their target. Then second half a weak tackle and then just let his man get a cross in, trying to ask for the ball going out instead of running back. Sums up his last 12 months really. He carried on dithering with the ball and then on the goal was one of a number who did not close the ball again. He looks like he does not believe he can do anything with the ball and off it defensively he is an easy target as teams are realising, he cannot win tackles, cover players or do the basics. Another who needs taking out of the team – he has been consistently poor for 12 months and terrible for much of this season.
Bryan 6.5/10 – Defensively he struggled with the movement and I felt they got in a few times but he kept plugging away and actually did some good things. Going forward he put in two or three decent drilled balls or crosses. He does put a good ball in actually. Not quite O’Connell but the best of all the fringe centre backs at doing this. Second half I felt the defence struggled as they came at us and we did not start at all after the break. He could have done a bit better on the second goal but so could a few others as they walked through us. Did ok in a 4 actually but not sure they attacked much after that as they settled for two although he/we completely lost Salah when he should have made it 3-0.
Amapadu 6/10 – Started ok but then lost a header in the build up to the Firmino chance and then more annoyingly just kicked thin air straight after this. He recovered and was ok overall with some decent bits of cover. He got pulled apart quite a bit but again no protection in front at all as they came at us again and again with no tackles/blocks or denying the balls in. I thought second half he was one of the better defenders even though we were at full stretch and I thought at least got some tackles in. Too many weak challenges though or times where he does not put his foot through it.
Jagielka 5.5/10 – Was concerned he would struggle with the pace and movement and a few times they got away but he also made some good blocks. He showed when Salah ran down the side, he could not keep up on two chances. He did get his body in the way and make some interceptions but seemed to be struggling with the pace of the forwards/game. Lazy clearance on the goal as he just wafted a foot at it. He had to do better than that. He was taken off not long after that.
Lundstram 2.5/10 – Thought he carried on his wretched form and seemed to be jogging around a lot. He did not give Baldock any help at all and was jogging around like it was a practice game not a game against the Champions. He looked totally not arsed. He carried this on second half with some simple give aways or short passes. He literally looked like he did not want to be there. Apart from not helping Baldock, when he had it, he just gave it away or mis controlled it. Twice in succession second half he gave it straight to them and then near the end could not even do a basic piece of control and it just come off his foot and he just jogged back. Needs taking out now. Play Osborn, put McGoldrick in the hold and Fleck/Norwood. Anything. He does not want to be here. So, he can sit it out until these floods of offers come in – which they won’t. He will do well to find another Championship club for me and will be on far less wages than any offer we made him. Silly boy. Maybe he goes to Rangers but not for me – not even sure he is good enough for them. If he comes crawling back to us and want to take our offer, I would tell him where to go and say see you later.
Fleck 5.5/10 – Did not look fully fit again for me and whilst he made some interceptions and blocks, he was very sloppy with the ball and felt we got completely overrun after the first 10 minutes in the middle of the park – yet again. We must have one of the slowest and least mobile midfields in Premier League history. It is appalling at covering and chasing and doing the basics. The respective opponents have too much space every game. On it, he was sloppy and short with his passing. He tried to run through a few times but often just lost it or got crowded out. Kept going and a few decent bits bit not sure I can recall much where he led to a chance or in a good move. Took too long to do things, like the one McGoldrick fund him. One really good interception as they broke – but was his free kick that kick started them breaking! Second half he barely got on it at all and I felt we just did not get close enough or get on the ball. He was taken off towards the end and looked like he was running in treacle.
Norwood 6/10 – Mixed bag. Mostly like the rest overrun and at full stretch as the midfield never had the all. He gave it away a bit with some daft balls but also put in a great free kick for the early chance and then the superb chance for McBurnie came from his superb cross. Outside of this I felt we struggled to get the ball and he was chasing them a lot of the game. Saw him do a lot of the pointing he does when men got away from him. Just lacks the pace and physicality to really keep up with the athletes at this level. He has so few touches that when he has it, he has to make it count and that puts pressure on him to make each pass be impactful. Not sure he was any worse than the other midfielders today but he was largely ineffectual outside of the few decent balls, on and off the ball – yet whilst he will get pelters again I reckon, I would question the other two more.
McGoldrick 5/10 – Thought he started quite well and linked when he could and some of our better attacks came from him. He showed a few bits of hold up and was close to McBurnie to start with but then after this I felt the threat diminished as the half went on. Had a few moments from set plays (blocked headers) but as the game went on, he had less and less influence. I still am not sure I would have taken him off (I’d have taken McBurnie odd personally) as he can still link play.
McBurnie 6/10 – Thought he really tried I did and won a lot of headers and did chase around a lot. He is just woefully short of quality when he has the big moments. He was a nuisance and work rate was good especially first half. He had a few flicked headers and I felt did occupy the centre backs and put himself about but when he has the ball does not really look like creating or scoring and sort of bumbles around. He is constantly offside too. Never looks across the line at all. He did link a few times with McGoldrick first half and nearly got the own goal but as I say was offside again. Second half had two big chances and missed them. He had to score the header but could not even get it on target. He is poor at doing the heading you need a striker to do – at goal. He may win flicks and tussles but the things you need is the finishing. He then had a chance on the angle but took way too long. After this he kept toiling but not sure much stuck with him. He tried hard but just badly lacking quality.
Subs –
Burke 5/10 – Again looked livelier than the other strikers and more of a threat when he came on and got down the sides although his finishing with one wild shot miles wide (throw in again – done this twice this season!) and then the one where he could not get it under control. He at least forced them back I felt. He has something and causes issues but cannot finish and that is a concern.
Osborn 5/10 – Not sure he got on the ball much at all as the game had gone but we at least had a spell after the changes. A few bits on it for a spell but for the most part it did not seem to go near him really. I suppose individually he was not effective but the shape at least gave us a spell
Sharp – Came on right near the end. Won one free kick but not sure he had many kicks as far as I can recall?
Manager Wilder 5/10 – Suppose it was better in we had a bit more of a go and a few half chances and he could only pick what he could do with the defence we had out. I thought he may have given Brewster a go and not sure McGoldrick and McBurnie works together (yes did ok for a few games post lockdown) as we lack pace and mobility. We resorted to the balls up for headers and knock downs. He seems to have no faith in Brewster at all. It is like he has given up on him completely. Granted he has been poor but no we are down; you may as well give him a run? I am not even sure he will start him next August either. He just seems to have signed him and much like Freeman, Robinson (both) and a few others going back to Champ days, decided he has bought a dud. If he is one for the future fine but now why would he not get games? If he was not going to use him, he may as well have loaned him out to a Championship team. The subs came after we started the second half badly. Not sure what he said at half time but they swarmed all over us. He could not make the changes quick enough. To be fair we had a spell then and had a chance but the second killed it. No idea why he did not put Brewster or one of the lads on for the last 10 minutes? The game had gone. Seemed an odd move to put Sharp on. He at least did change the formation – maybe he might start games like this now we are down but I am not holding my breath.
United –
Liverpool – Of course they have been in rotten form and had lost 4 in a row. They only lost 3 last season. The drop off in form has been even more severe than ours actually in terms of point drop off. They have had lots of injuries of course and the defence has been tested even more than ours. I will say they played the same players all the time for a few seasons and did not really strengthen in this area. The fact they have brought a lad like Rhys Williams who was on loan at Kidderminster is akin to us having to play Kean Bryan (out on loan at Bolton) and have scrambled around for players like Nathaniel Williams, Davies the lad we were linked with and Kabak sums it up. Not sure any will be here in 12-18 months or will be out on loan next season at the least. They have had to play Henderson or Fabinho at the back but surely even with three centre backs out, they should have had more cover. It is the same at the full back positions, they do not really have cover in the same way City do or even United in terms of the squad.
I think whilst the injuries are clearly a big issue and you cannot legislate for it – it is not like us who don’t have the resources to have better cover necessarily (we should have done as well). I also think they simply do not have the intensity and energy that they had. Making the comparison with us again (yes, they are a million miles better of course) but we can see what happens when we drop off with the pressing and energetic off the ball work. It then starts to migrate across the team and you see others drop off. I always thought the front three were fantastic not necessarily with their scoring/set up/quality which is there but the way they press, harry and defend from the front. They were fantastic from that but they have dropped off a bit in this regard also.
Liverpool still have quality players of course and expect them to come again but always felt City on their day, even last season were the better side and better squad. Last year Liverpool were phenomenal of course and like with us, everything clicked to some degree. This year it’s just not gone right. I still think they may finish 2nd or 3rd by the end and are still in the Champions League. I think they need to add real quality to the group to go again in both defence and midfield areas. There remain some doubts with Klopp’s future. I thought he would be there for the long haul but the family bereavement and some questions have definitely arisen. Also heard some rumours around him being linked with the German national squad.
Klopp, like Wilder (have to say it to give things some balance) has turned into a chippy, hard done and moaning manager this season much of the time. That is what happens when you are not as successful. I think he needs a break as do the team to go again next season.
Today it was easy. They made a few mistakes at the back and not sure we could have a better backline and keeper to play from their squad (centre backs I mean) but we only had one good chance and the own goal mistake – outside of this we booted it up a lot to the front lads but we did not stretch them or play round or through them. After a scrappy start, they dominated midfield having the legs and quality and created tons of chances. It could have been 4 or 5-0 at half time and then they scored and could have had several more as they penned us back. After the McBurnie miss, they got the second but had so many shots it was inevitable one may flick or deflect in. Not even sure we can blame bad luck. At least they had shots on or near goal, compared to us. After this they could have gone on and scored more but did not bother and like so many more just saw out the game against a side that is not good enough for this league.
Opponent Man of the Match – Jones of the man of the match and no issues with that. The two full backs played as almost wingers really and caused problems and of course the front three were lively but the finishing was poor.
Opponent Weak link – Worst I have seen Mane play against us actually but he was still better than our forwards. Phillips and Kabak were not convincing and the latter made a few mistakes but we could not take advantage.
Referee/Officials – Jon Moss. I always am concerned about Moss’ fitness and if he can keep up with play? May sound harsh but just does not seem fit enough for the top level. Today he did not really have much controversy to deal with. The ball being out of play one was one moment but I am not sure the full ball was out and whilst some replays showed it may have gone out, the majority and the one straight down the line showed it was not out. Just poor defending. Outside of this we committed many more fouls really as we tried to keep up with quicker and better players although Thiago put a few in also.
As an aside Lee Mason was meant to be 4th official but was withdrawn due to ‘injury.’ That sounds a convenient excuse. Yes, as 4th official you may be pressed into duty but it seems a cover up after his total cock up yesterday. As many wags remarked, maybe he had swallowed a pea and was thus unwell? Yesterday and then today’s clear hand ball for Man Utd against Chelsea is the latest series of absolute cluster f**ks in VAR and officiating. It is getting worse not better. It will not affect us but surely whatever happens in the summer, the instructive has to be for VAR to be involved much less. The ones they need to be involved like those two they are making the wrong decisions anyway so might as well just not have them unless it is something ridiculous. Let us just have the referee and unless someone punches it into the net or something occurs that is crazy, just go with what the referee gives. They are getting involved in every penalty decision and almost every call. It’s just boring now.
Coverage – Keane, Souness and Hasselbaink. Keane was scathing about how bad we were pre match saying we had no quality and quality is the name of the game at this level as he rightly says. He said it was a perfect game for Liverpool as we were the worst team and had lost 20 games. There was one moment when they talked about us winning one game at home this season (which was wrong but hey ho) and they just all burst out laughing. That is what we have become – a laughing stock. After the game Keane said he was happy to take the plaudits last year and his attitude was to have a go and this year just seems to be ‘we are up against it.’ Also cited the poor recruitment and buying Championship players (which is what he has in Bogle/Lowe, Ramsdale and Brewster) Normally I would defend my team and get defensive but all I could do was shrug. Keane is a bit shock jock but not sure anything he said was wrong really. Wilder may not like his words but not sure he can put up much of an argument. All the pundits loved him last year and he was the darling. Now he is seen as someone who does not even believe we can get anything from games and has almost given up.
open.spotify.com/show/7go9twHuE7wdiXbqDTtnX1
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It was not a surprise that Liverpool ended a recent poor run of form and four successive defeats to get back to winning ways against the bottom of the table Blades side. Jurgen Klopp had become involved in an odd spat with United manager Wilder earlier in the season but it was the German who got the better of his counterpart making it four wins out of four for the Reds over the Blades in the last two seasons. In a game where United at least had a go, after some pitiful recent defeats, they were indebted though to Aaron Ramsdale who kept them in the game before two goals from Curtis Jones and a Kean Bryan deflected effort took the game away from the Blades. United created little but nearly got an own goal in the first half and Oli McBurnie missed a good headed chance at 0-1. In truth Liverpool could have had 7 or 8 goals though with better finishing or with Ramsdale not on his game and the margin of victory flattered the home side despite toiling for long spells.
United made two changes with one enforced and one chosen. In came Norwood for Basham with Ampadu switching to defence and McGoldrick was brought back for Sharp, with Oli McBurnie retaining his place up front. Liverpool were without goalkeeper Alisson due to compassionate reasons and Adrian came in. Nat Phillips started at the back alongside Ozan Kabak. There was no Jordan Henderson but they still had the much-vaunted front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino.
Under the lights, the Blades started in competitive fashion and McBurnie flicked onto McGoldrick who was brought down for a free kick. Norwood put a dangerous one in and via a combination of McGoldrick and Mane, the ball went towards Adrian who made the save although the striker may have been offside if the ball had gone in.
Liverpool’s first threat came with a diagonal ball over the top that put in Robertson and as Baldock switched off, Ramsdale did well to come off his line and out of his box to execute the clearance. The game had been relatively even and United had been able to win their fair share of tackles and have enough of the ball but ought to have been behind on 10 minutes as a ball over the top saw Ampadu lose the header and Firmino was in after the ball broke a bit fortuitously. The striker was one on one but as Ramsdale went down he hit the keeper and was not able to lift it over him. It was a really good save. After Ampadu miskicked the ball was returned and several other attempts to clear was missed and Robertson’s cross shot nearly caught the keeper out who again did well to flick behind.
Liverpool now were taking control and Jones individual skill got him away from the trailing Lundstram but the midfielder at least got back to hold him up and from the resultant corner McBurnie showed his aerial prowess at the back.
On 16 minutes, Bryan fired in a good ball to McBurnie who held the ball up to McGoldrick whose shot hit his fellow striker on the way through and was tipped round the post by Adrian.
Ramsdale had been alert all night and came out and clasped the ball again but his poor kick led to a diagonal ball that caught out Baldock again and Jones was in but the keeper managed to recover his error with a brave block.
United won another free kick but Fleck’s poor free kick saw Liverpool break after Mane got away from McBurnie but the Scottish midfielder got ack to make the interception as the Reds threatened to get in.
Bryan put in a good ball but McBurnie could not react quick enough before Jagielka got in at the other end to make a block after Baldock went down too easily and Salah hit a fierce shot.
Another back pass that was unnecessary to Ramsdale saw the ball come back again and was between Bryan and Jagielka for Salah who cut in and tried to go across the United keeper but he made another good save. Soon after Norwood and Ampadu overplayed in trying to defend and the latter’s poor ball was straight to Alexander Arnold who hit a fierce shot after coming inside and sitting his man down but once again Ramsdale made the big save with firm hands.
On 35 minutes, United thought they were ahead against the run of play as the ball over the top put McBurnie in a chase with Kabak and the defender knocked it past his own keeper Adrian completely wrong footing him in a goal reminiscent to the one Chelsea scored for the Blades recently. However, the flag went up and replays showed it was the right decision and not that close.
McGoldrick did well to hold things up and found Fleck after strong and clever link play but the midfielder took too long and once again the flag went up although this time it may have been closer if anything had resulted.
Fleck slipped over in the middle of the park and Salah had a chance but Jagielka made a good block again before another great chance came to the Champions. Wijnaldum was teed up by Thiago and was given way too much time to pick his spot but his fierce shot was beaten away by the excellent Ramsdale again. The rebound came to Firmino who seemed set too score but strangely opted to pass and his ball across goal was cleared by the relieved United defence.
On 42 minutes, another free kick opportunity presented but McGoldrick’s header lacked the necessary purchase and was cleared. Subsequently, Lundstram’s pass was overplayed to McBurnie.
There were no further chances as half time came without any additional time played. Liverpool really should have been in front with several clear chances and Ramsdale had been inspired but the Blades had caused a few problems the other way and it was not one-way traffic.
The second half was only a few minutes old when Liverpool took the lead. Stevens lost a 50-50 tackle and as the ball broke, Trent Alexander reacted quicker and Stevens dithered again. The ball was close to going out but as it came across Jagielka’s clearance was poor and none of the midfield reacted at all. The ball sat perfectly for JONES who smashed home.
After this Liverpool started going through the gears and United struggled to hold them. Mane was in and clipped home but the offside flag saved them.
Alexander Arnold then fired wide after a mazy run when he ran through and it may have taken a touch off Jagielka. Liverpool were threatening to run riot and Wilder made two changes with Burke and Osborn on for McGoldrick and Jagielka. United switched to 4-4-2 in at attempt to get a foot hold back in the game an for a spell it seemed to work.
United had a great chance to level when Norwood’s cross was superbly whipped in and McBurnie had to score but headed wide under no pressure.
United had another chance when McBurnie was in on the angle but the striker took too long and Kabak got his foot in and cleared. The corner came in but as Adrian punched clear, Norwood fired well wide as it dropped in a difficult chance.
After this improvement, Liverpool took the game away from the Blades. Jones did well down the right and played it inside and Firmino was able to take several touches as Bryan and Ampadu did not go to him. Stevens then walked past the ball and as the shot came in, it went in off BRYAN (OG) and looped over the diving Ramsdale and it was 2-0. It was a fortunate deflection as it was probably going wide but once again poor defending from the Blades and it was all too easy.
United tried to respond and Burke got in down the side but his cross shot went further away from goal than towards it summing up his lack of confidence in front of goal. Two poor moments from Lundstram then broke up two possible attacks as Burke continued to threaten but Ampadu made a good tackle as Mane nearly got in down the right.
United had a bit more of the ball but Liverpool were really comfortable now and were easing to the victory.
Robertson got in after good football saw it moved across but he fired it over with 15 minutes left to play. Milner came on for Thiago in Liverpool’s first change. It should have been 3-0 as Robertson’s cross saw Salah somehow put the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.
Sharp came on for Fleck with 10 minutes to play as Wilder opted not to use Brewster or one of the other young players. Mane got away from Ampadu and stayed on his feet. If he had gone down, he would have got a penalty in all likelihood.
A late chance for Burke saw him nearly get in but he could not get the ball away and Adrian made the block as he tried to go round him. The game entered three minutes of stoppage time but nothing really happened of note and Liverpool saw things out to get back to winning ways.
United – It was better than the last few games and we were still well beaten. I thought the players mostly tried and at times they did compete but we lacked the quality once again in the key areas and Liverpool created tons of chances despite us doing our best. I never thought we would win the game and the quality they had meant it was inevitable they would score and we could not rely on Ramsdale for the whole game. Overall, Liverpool were worthy winners and whilst they were not amazing, they did not have to as another team won at a canter really conceding few chances and creating tons at the other end. We simply lacked the quality all over the field even to cope with an out of form Liverpool side.
I felt at least we competed for spells today (we did ok for 10 minutes to start and then 5 minutes at -0-1) and were in the game it felt, certainly first half although much of that was down to Ramsdale. We had a few half chances and the offside goal that they did not really know much about in terms of playing McBurnie offside. However after we started the game ok, Liverpool had most of the ball and carved us open at times and if it was not for Ramsdale it could have been 4-0 at half time. Still, I thought we were ok actually as daft as it sounds. I did not think we were as pitiful as at Fulham or West Ham and at least had some attacks. The front two were a bit of a nuisance and the team did work hard. It was just we lacked quality all over the field and anything decent came from them. If they had been more clinical then they would have been out of sight really. So, whilst we did ok, Liverpool were still much better than us. They had so many chances. Firmino, Salah, Jones, Wijnaldum, Manah, Trent Alexander. Even though we were in the game, they had 4 or 5 really clear chances. I felt no one had been awful really for us but they were just faster, skilled and better. We tried and for the most part did what we could but the players were just inferior. Despite that we did have some spells and a few half chances and won a few free kicks. I felt McBurnie and McGoldrick competed even though were not goal threats but as the game went on, they became less of a threat.
The second half we never started and they blew us away. The first goal is once again pathetic defending as Stevens loses a tackle and then does not get back. Jagielka then does not clear and no one reacts and we all ball watch as the lad scores an easy goal. After this they could have been out of sight as they had several chances with an offside goal and Trent Alexander nearly getting in but we made changes and went 4-4-2 and improved for a 5-10 minutes spell. As dominant as they had been, we had a golden chance as Norwood found McBurnie and he has to score. It was a header under no pressure. He then had another chance but took too long. They then get a second after more poor defending from us as he just walks through. Several at fault here. Ramsdale once again badly exposed.
After this the game was gone. They just saw it out and I think other than a wild Burke shot, they had more chances but it kind of fizzled out. A shocking miss from Salah should have made it 3-0. It just became an easy and professional win. Liverpool did make mistakes at the back but we could not capitalise. I think the Sky pundits summed it up that a better team would have profited from a poor back line and not sure Liverpool were always great in possession really and gave it away a fair but we often gave it back or could not keep it.
It was not a dreadful showing nor were we completely annihilated but it was a routine Liverpool win where they could have had a lot more goals and just needed to be patient. McBurnie did have the chance at 0-1 but you do think even if he scores there, they just up it again and score again. The first 10 minutes of the second half they stepped up the pace and intensity and we could not cope and did not react. We looked all over the place and they picked us off and looked like scoring every time. Once they got the second it was done which ironically after we had a bit better spell. Both teams would have just shook hands then.
After picking up mid-January we now are on another awful run and it is hard to see where the next point is coming from. We have not scored now for nearly 3 and a half games (and that was the Chelsea own goal!) and we remain on target for our worst ever individual season – 1975-76 which was 22 points from 42 – we did get less 19 in 1890-91 from only 18 games and then 15-24 points in war time seasons but these were hardly any games at all. We still need a point to better Derby’s worst ever Premier League season.
The positives are that the keeper did well. Bryan did not disgrace himself also. However, the main positive is it is another game closer to the end of the season.
We now have 12 left (13 if you count the Cup) and it will be 10 by the end of the week! This season just needs to be over. We will probably be mathematically down with about half the games left of the ones we have left to play at this rate. I will be glad in some ways and then they can stop talking about us. It is like the TV companies do not even want to show us and I cannot blame them. If you asked the team and Wilder if we could just concede the rest of the games and pack up now and have a break, they would probably would. Even the fans would probably take losing every game (maybe give us a point too get off the record) if it meant it being done. It continues to be depressing and predictable. As I say not even sure we were awful today but still well beaten and inferior in every aspect to the opponent. We are just not good enough and all those saying West Brom are worse now cannot even make that argument.
We are destined now to finish rock bottom and be one of the worst teams in Premier League ever. It’s been a disaster from the form, results, injuries, signings, manager, you name it. Not sure there is any real positives (Bogle, McGoldrick a bit and Ramsdale maybe a bit now) of the whole season. It just needs to end. My concern is that there will be a huge hangover/carry on and it will be very hard just to flick a switch (yes I know Norwich did but most teams that have gone down like this if you go through history have struggled the next season) and I am concerned unless we change things with a number of fresh players that it will be a tough return in the Championship. I am not convinced that all these players (Norwood, Stevens, Brewster, McBurnie etc) will suddenly just start playing well and dominate at the lower level – it takes a lot to turn round confidence and form. We are not playing as a team, we don’t look together, ship goals and chances every week and don’t look like scoring. There are fundamental issues all over the side and those that just feel these get fixed at the click of a finger as we are going down a division may be in for a shock.
Wilder has a huge job this summer for his own future and for the players – that is if he stays. I still feel he may walk away when relegation is confirmed. Just a gut feeling from his interviews and how he has presented the last few months.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 8.5/10 – First half he was superb with several great saves, some were at him but he made several really good ones too– one from Firmino, a brave one from Jones, then from Salah as he came in on the angle, Trent Alexander then hit one he saved well and finally strong hands from Wijnaldum. He was quick off his line, alert and seemed really up for it. He had a few errant kicks but felt he was put under pressure too much with back passes. Second half he was exposed again with the two goals with no chance on either (the second a deflection). After this they had a few chances go wide and he did not quite have as much to do but made 5 or 6 great saves first half. He had improved his performances greatly over the recent last matches. I feel sorry for him as the team is giving him so much to do. It is a bit embarrassing how many chances teams are having really.
Baldock 4.5/10 – Started slow and off it as he let Robertson get in a few times and then Jones. Was not focused or looking what was behind him. Did not get much help from Lundstram. Just not tight enough to his man. No confidence going forward – kept getting it and then coming back rather than driving or crossing. Second half carried on being too far off his man and they continued to get through us but again had no protection at all. I will not give him as low a mark as others due to the fact the midfield did not help him at all. Continued to not want to cross or drive with it and came back when he did attack. Seen some saying we might lose him. I am sorry but he is another whose form has nose dived after a decent start to the season and not even been a regular. No Premier League clubs will look at someone who is not even our first choice I would say when Bogle is fit. Looks a long way from the player from last season as with the rest even though he maybe had not quite fallen off the cliff as much as Stevens and Norwood.
Stevens 3/10 – As with Baldock just felt he was not close enough to his man as the movement and running was a bit much. He also going forward seemed really tentative and slow at making decisions and rarely crosses it or tried to go forward. Just looks lacking confidence. He did put a few balls in first half but none found their target. Then second half a weak tackle and then just let his man get a cross in, trying to ask for the ball going out instead of running back. Sums up his last 12 months really. He carried on dithering with the ball and then on the goal was one of a number who did not close the ball again. He looks like he does not believe he can do anything with the ball and off it defensively he is an easy target as teams are realising, he cannot win tackles, cover players or do the basics. Another who needs taking out of the team – he has been consistently poor for 12 months and terrible for much of this season.
Bryan 6.5/10 – Defensively he struggled with the movement and I felt they got in a few times but he kept plugging away and actually did some good things. Going forward he put in two or three decent drilled balls or crosses. He does put a good ball in actually. Not quite O’Connell but the best of all the fringe centre backs at doing this. Second half I felt the defence struggled as they came at us and we did not start at all after the break. He could have done a bit better on the second goal but so could a few others as they walked through us. Did ok in a 4 actually but not sure they attacked much after that as they settled for two although he/we completely lost Salah when he should have made it 3-0.
Amapadu 6/10 – Started ok but then lost a header in the build up to the Firmino chance and then more annoyingly just kicked thin air straight after this. He recovered and was ok overall with some decent bits of cover. He got pulled apart quite a bit but again no protection in front at all as they came at us again and again with no tackles/blocks or denying the balls in. I thought second half he was one of the better defenders even though we were at full stretch and I thought at least got some tackles in. Too many weak challenges though or times where he does not put his foot through it.
Jagielka 5.5/10 – Was concerned he would struggle with the pace and movement and a few times they got away but he also made some good blocks. He showed when Salah ran down the side, he could not keep up on two chances. He did get his body in the way and make some interceptions but seemed to be struggling with the pace of the forwards/game. Lazy clearance on the goal as he just wafted a foot at it. He had to do better than that. He was taken off not long after that.
Lundstram 2.5/10 – Thought he carried on his wretched form and seemed to be jogging around a lot. He did not give Baldock any help at all and was jogging around like it was a practice game not a game against the Champions. He looked totally not arsed. He carried this on second half with some simple give aways or short passes. He literally looked like he did not want to be there. Apart from not helping Baldock, when he had it, he just gave it away or mis controlled it. Twice in succession second half he gave it straight to them and then near the end could not even do a basic piece of control and it just come off his foot and he just jogged back. Needs taking out now. Play Osborn, put McGoldrick in the hold and Fleck/Norwood. Anything. He does not want to be here. So, he can sit it out until these floods of offers come in – which they won’t. He will do well to find another Championship club for me and will be on far less wages than any offer we made him. Silly boy. Maybe he goes to Rangers but not for me – not even sure he is good enough for them. If he comes crawling back to us and want to take our offer, I would tell him where to go and say see you later.
Fleck 5.5/10 – Did not look fully fit again for me and whilst he made some interceptions and blocks, he was very sloppy with the ball and felt we got completely overrun after the first 10 minutes in the middle of the park – yet again. We must have one of the slowest and least mobile midfields in Premier League history. It is appalling at covering and chasing and doing the basics. The respective opponents have too much space every game. On it, he was sloppy and short with his passing. He tried to run through a few times but often just lost it or got crowded out. Kept going and a few decent bits bit not sure I can recall much where he led to a chance or in a good move. Took too long to do things, like the one McGoldrick fund him. One really good interception as they broke – but was his free kick that kick started them breaking! Second half he barely got on it at all and I felt we just did not get close enough or get on the ball. He was taken off towards the end and looked like he was running in treacle.
Norwood 6/10 – Mixed bag. Mostly like the rest overrun and at full stretch as the midfield never had the all. He gave it away a bit with some daft balls but also put in a great free kick for the early chance and then the superb chance for McBurnie came from his superb cross. Outside of this I felt we struggled to get the ball and he was chasing them a lot of the game. Saw him do a lot of the pointing he does when men got away from him. Just lacks the pace and physicality to really keep up with the athletes at this level. He has so few touches that when he has it, he has to make it count and that puts pressure on him to make each pass be impactful. Not sure he was any worse than the other midfielders today but he was largely ineffectual outside of the few decent balls, on and off the ball – yet whilst he will get pelters again I reckon, I would question the other two more.
McGoldrick 5/10 – Thought he started quite well and linked when he could and some of our better attacks came from him. He showed a few bits of hold up and was close to McBurnie to start with but then after this I felt the threat diminished as the half went on. Had a few moments from set plays (blocked headers) but as the game went on, he had less and less influence. I still am not sure I would have taken him off (I’d have taken McBurnie odd personally) as he can still link play.
McBurnie 6/10 – Thought he really tried I did and won a lot of headers and did chase around a lot. He is just woefully short of quality when he has the big moments. He was a nuisance and work rate was good especially first half. He had a few flicked headers and I felt did occupy the centre backs and put himself about but when he has the ball does not really look like creating or scoring and sort of bumbles around. He is constantly offside too. Never looks across the line at all. He did link a few times with McGoldrick first half and nearly got the own goal but as I say was offside again. Second half had two big chances and missed them. He had to score the header but could not even get it on target. He is poor at doing the heading you need a striker to do – at goal. He may win flicks and tussles but the things you need is the finishing. He then had a chance on the angle but took way too long. After this he kept toiling but not sure much stuck with him. He tried hard but just badly lacking quality.
Subs –
Burke 5/10 – Again looked livelier than the other strikers and more of a threat when he came on and got down the sides although his finishing with one wild shot miles wide (throw in again – done this twice this season!) and then the one where he could not get it under control. He at least forced them back I felt. He has something and causes issues but cannot finish and that is a concern.
Osborn 5/10 – Not sure he got on the ball much at all as the game had gone but we at least had a spell after the changes. A few bits on it for a spell but for the most part it did not seem to go near him really. I suppose individually he was not effective but the shape at least gave us a spell
Sharp – Came on right near the end. Won one free kick but not sure he had many kicks as far as I can recall?
Manager Wilder 5/10 – Suppose it was better in we had a bit more of a go and a few half chances and he could only pick what he could do with the defence we had out. I thought he may have given Brewster a go and not sure McGoldrick and McBurnie works together (yes did ok for a few games post lockdown) as we lack pace and mobility. We resorted to the balls up for headers and knock downs. He seems to have no faith in Brewster at all. It is like he has given up on him completely. Granted he has been poor but no we are down; you may as well give him a run? I am not even sure he will start him next August either. He just seems to have signed him and much like Freeman, Robinson (both) and a few others going back to Champ days, decided he has bought a dud. If he is one for the future fine but now why would he not get games? If he was not going to use him, he may as well have loaned him out to a Championship team. The subs came after we started the second half badly. Not sure what he said at half time but they swarmed all over us. He could not make the changes quick enough. To be fair we had a spell then and had a chance but the second killed it. No idea why he did not put Brewster or one of the lads on for the last 10 minutes? The game had gone. Seemed an odd move to put Sharp on. He at least did change the formation – maybe he might start games like this now we are down but I am not holding my breath.
United –
Liverpool – Of course they have been in rotten form and had lost 4 in a row. They only lost 3 last season. The drop off in form has been even more severe than ours actually in terms of point drop off. They have had lots of injuries of course and the defence has been tested even more than ours. I will say they played the same players all the time for a few seasons and did not really strengthen in this area. The fact they have brought a lad like Rhys Williams who was on loan at Kidderminster is akin to us having to play Kean Bryan (out on loan at Bolton) and have scrambled around for players like Nathaniel Williams, Davies the lad we were linked with and Kabak sums it up. Not sure any will be here in 12-18 months or will be out on loan next season at the least. They have had to play Henderson or Fabinho at the back but surely even with three centre backs out, they should have had more cover. It is the same at the full back positions, they do not really have cover in the same way City do or even United in terms of the squad.
I think whilst the injuries are clearly a big issue and you cannot legislate for it – it is not like us who don’t have the resources to have better cover necessarily (we should have done as well). I also think they simply do not have the intensity and energy that they had. Making the comparison with us again (yes, they are a million miles better of course) but we can see what happens when we drop off with the pressing and energetic off the ball work. It then starts to migrate across the team and you see others drop off. I always thought the front three were fantastic not necessarily with their scoring/set up/quality which is there but the way they press, harry and defend from the front. They were fantastic from that but they have dropped off a bit in this regard also.
Liverpool still have quality players of course and expect them to come again but always felt City on their day, even last season were the better side and better squad. Last year Liverpool were phenomenal of course and like with us, everything clicked to some degree. This year it’s just not gone right. I still think they may finish 2nd or 3rd by the end and are still in the Champions League. I think they need to add real quality to the group to go again in both defence and midfield areas. There remain some doubts with Klopp’s future. I thought he would be there for the long haul but the family bereavement and some questions have definitely arisen. Also heard some rumours around him being linked with the German national squad.
Klopp, like Wilder (have to say it to give things some balance) has turned into a chippy, hard done and moaning manager this season much of the time. That is what happens when you are not as successful. I think he needs a break as do the team to go again next season.
Today it was easy. They made a few mistakes at the back and not sure we could have a better backline and keeper to play from their squad (centre backs I mean) but we only had one good chance and the own goal mistake – outside of this we booted it up a lot to the front lads but we did not stretch them or play round or through them. After a scrappy start, they dominated midfield having the legs and quality and created tons of chances. It could have been 4 or 5-0 at half time and then they scored and could have had several more as they penned us back. After the McBurnie miss, they got the second but had so many shots it was inevitable one may flick or deflect in. Not even sure we can blame bad luck. At least they had shots on or near goal, compared to us. After this they could have gone on and scored more but did not bother and like so many more just saw out the game against a side that is not good enough for this league.
Opponent Man of the Match – Jones of the man of the match and no issues with that. The two full backs played as almost wingers really and caused problems and of course the front three were lively but the finishing was poor.
Opponent Weak link – Worst I have seen Mane play against us actually but he was still better than our forwards. Phillips and Kabak were not convincing and the latter made a few mistakes but we could not take advantage.
Referee/Officials – Jon Moss. I always am concerned about Moss’ fitness and if he can keep up with play? May sound harsh but just does not seem fit enough for the top level. Today he did not really have much controversy to deal with. The ball being out of play one was one moment but I am not sure the full ball was out and whilst some replays showed it may have gone out, the majority and the one straight down the line showed it was not out. Just poor defending. Outside of this we committed many more fouls really as we tried to keep up with quicker and better players although Thiago put a few in also.
As an aside Lee Mason was meant to be 4th official but was withdrawn due to ‘injury.’ That sounds a convenient excuse. Yes, as 4th official you may be pressed into duty but it seems a cover up after his total cock up yesterday. As many wags remarked, maybe he had swallowed a pea and was thus unwell? Yesterday and then today’s clear hand ball for Man Utd against Chelsea is the latest series of absolute cluster f**ks in VAR and officiating. It is getting worse not better. It will not affect us but surely whatever happens in the summer, the instructive has to be for VAR to be involved much less. The ones they need to be involved like those two they are making the wrong decisions anyway so might as well just not have them unless it is something ridiculous. Let us just have the referee and unless someone punches it into the net or something occurs that is crazy, just go with what the referee gives. They are getting involved in every penalty decision and almost every call. It’s just boring now.
Coverage – Keane, Souness and Hasselbaink. Keane was scathing about how bad we were pre match saying we had no quality and quality is the name of the game at this level as he rightly says. He said it was a perfect game for Liverpool as we were the worst team and had lost 20 games. There was one moment when they talked about us winning one game at home this season (which was wrong but hey ho) and they just all burst out laughing. That is what we have become – a laughing stock. After the game Keane said he was happy to take the plaudits last year and his attitude was to have a go and this year just seems to be ‘we are up against it.’ Also cited the poor recruitment and buying Championship players (which is what he has in Bogle/Lowe, Ramsdale and Brewster) Normally I would defend my team and get defensive but all I could do was shrug. Keane is a bit shock jock but not sure anything he said was wrong really. Wilder may not like his words but not sure he can put up much of an argument. All the pundits loved him last year and he was the darling. Now he is seen as someone who does not even believe we can get anything from games and has almost given up.
