NEIL ATKINSON was joined by Gareth Roberts, John Gibbons, Phil Blundell and Donald Gilbert in the aftermath of another humbling for Liverpool.
THE PINK: MANCHESTER UNITED 3-1 LIVERPOOL
// TAW SHOP
// TAW APP
// PARTNERS
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEIL ATKINSON was joined by Gareth Roberts, John Gibbons, Phil Blundell and Donald Gilbert in the aftermath of another humbling for Liverpool.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There is a need to share this observation when Ibe was being briefed by Rogers on the touch line before joining the game. Painting the scene as if it’s necessary, and as we’re 2-1 down and urgency is paramount yet the manager’s body language whilst briefing the kid with 1 hand casually in pocket and the other arm motioned nonchalantly to assist his words almost as if he didn’t give a shit, said it all in terms of trascending a lack of passion, urgency and many would now say a lack of belief, to a young player who is about to be introduced in to a massive game where he is expected to make a positive impact and help exploit space on the flank and feed Benteke and Ings in the box.
Brendan Rogers needs to inderstand his dire situation and drop this vain attempt at looking cool and calm and instead get his players at it and especially the senior pros who need to get off the back foot and on to the front foot to help the youngsters get a grip of the game, and to do it sharpish. If he has any sense of urgency then he will understand he is in the last chance saloon, and that may have passed him by as soon as October subject to the next 3 games. The game plan in the centre of the pitch was piss poor and amateurish. Skrtel was always looking to play the ball back to a GK who hates the ball at his feet, and Lucas Milner and Can looked as if they were total strangers and had never played together. I mean what the fuck is going on!! Admittedly we have a few players out but we were a bag of nerves against opposition that can at best be described as average,’with no recognised striker on the pitch in Rooney’s absence.
The game plan and set up, confidence and know how stems from the spine of the team and right now we don’t have one, this current set up is spineless. End of story. And that responsibility lies with the manager
We were yet to score a goal when Ibe was coming on. It was his cross that led to Benteke scoring.
That is correct/accurate.
Brendan has to realise that he has been most successful with two strikers (playing in their correct position) on the pitch. I think the criticism after the title challenge that he couldn’t coach defensively got to him and he’s been trying to prove he can ever since.
I think Neil’s pre season plea to get 4 goal scorers on the pitch (in their correct positions) was spot on and still applies and I am worried that Suarez forced his hand in the title challenge season and his philosophy is what we have been subjected to since.
Next game 4-3-1-2 please and this team whenever possible in the league
Migs
Clyne Gomez Sakho Moreno
Milner hendo coutinho
Firmino
Sturridge benteke
Thanks for the name-check, Gareth.
John Gibbons, how about you take the time to watch the game over? I will bet you dollars to donuts you will not conclude Lucas Leiva was our worst player after doing so.
Fuck me, you never give up white-knighting for Lucas.
Which could be leveled at me at times but he looked well off the pace on Saturday,
Lots of silly fouls in worrying positions and a lack of composure on the ball which really surprised me,
Fingers crossed he shakes off the rustiness pronto.
It’s not just “white-knighting” when I dedicate the time and effort to watch the game over, over in 1/2 speed, so I don’t have to rely on first-impressions, emotionally-tainted memories, pre-conceived notions, etc.
But, yeah, I am not fair-weather anything. Gibbo defended Skrtel. The least I can do is call him on his calling Lucas the worst player on the pitch.
Not for the first time our manager is at a crossroads. In the past he’s managed to see it through, but I wonder if the owner’s patience and backing will continue for that much longer. I’ve said previously that we need to see this season out, but that assumed we’d be at least within touching distance of top 4. Our current form (and mentality) is more bottom 4, and that plainly is never going to wash.
We need a real change in our approach. It’s time to allow our talented players to express themselves, playing in positions that bring out the best in them. You know, a team that creates chances and scores goals regardless of the opposition. Do it Brendan. You’ve almost got nothing to lose.
It’s odd to justify an utterly clueless display by how bad Untied played. It’s completely irrelevant that they didn’t have a shot in open play until whatever minute.
I can’t believe a United team didn’t create more chances in that game, especially in the first half. We handed them countless opportunities to regain possession and most teams in the league like Palace or WEST HAM wouldn’t have been so complacent and punished us.
There’s far too many players in the squad with questions hanging over them about best position or deserving a starting place.
How has it come to this again?! The manager should be in a position now where we at least nine players nailed into their best position with a system that anyone new to side can fit into and know what his role is and the requirements.
We still look another whole season away from that.
A disappointing display from the red men the set up of the team and shape was all wrong and players not playing in their preferred position but what frustrates me is were is the fight or passion Utd are not a good side and have Rooney missing aswell are passing was sloppy the tempo to are play was slow and benteke was are best player but get people around him he is so isolated by himself he played Danny Inge on the left wing he was bought because he is a striker and he scores goal so play him up next to benteke I don’t mind getting beat if we have good go at them but have a performance like that against your rivals leaves a bitter taste I’m glad Rogers stayed this season but I’m doubting if it was the right decision
We set up and played like a small team. That’s unacceptable anywhere but even more so at Old Trafford. I’m surprised no-one passed comment on that.
Any chance of some punctuation Stephen ?
I was expecting more anger but this is the only podcast which bought everything into perspective. While social media are busy cursing or acting inhumane towards Rodgers TAW are keeping a clear head somewhat. Lol. Hoping tomorrow’s anfield wrap sticks with the same thinking.
Was nice to hear from a US red, it was a bit frustrating to hear him being cut off a few times, which is something that usually never happens in your podcasts.
I felt Neil was spot on about basically everything. Also Firmino looks a player to me, but I can’t decide whether he has application issues or is simply being rendered ineffective by his role.
The U.S. Red was being cut-off (he wasn’t actually) because he kept saying “you know. . .” and then not saying anything.
To be perfectly honest, he’s not the first one on a TAW show to have difficulties articulating thoughts, especially extemporaneously. It’s just that the others are regulars, or they know the regulars socially/personally so it goes more smoothly.
Not to get picky but he was definitely cut off at least once in mid-speech.
Also it’s not uncommon for people to lack eloquence on their first podcast, or when sharing a discussion with new people.
You’re right. I just listened to The Pink again. He was cut off a couple of times near the end, and he was actually making a lot of sense and putting together a logical argument.
Once again it’s square pegs in round holes.
Firmino, an attacking midfielder, second striker, left sided attacker playing as a right winger.
Ings, a striker playing as a left winger.
Gomez, a right sided central defender playing as left back.
Don’t get me wrong I like all 3 players but they are being used in a way that doesn’t give them or us the best chance to succeed.
I believe we have the players there to make top 4 this year. They are just being used poorly.