JOHN Gibbons was joined for a post-Tottenham Hotspur Pink by Ian Salmon, Sean Neagle and Craig Hannan.
Liverpool (4-4-1-1): Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Milner (Ibe 90), Henderson, Can, Coutinho; Lallana (Allen 82), Sturridge (Origi 72). Substitutes: Ward, Toure, Skrtel, Smith.
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose; Dembele, Dier; Son (Chadli 67), Alli (Mason 88), Eriksen; Kane. Substitutes: Vorm, Trippier, Onomah, Carroll, Davies.
I disagree with Gibbo and the boys in general. Klopp set the team up to let Spurs take the initiative and to soak up the play. playing 1 up front at home is akin to playing a holding game in Texas Holdem, playing on the periphery and never going all in, and basically settling for the minor positions in the game.
I could have sworn Henderson was playing as the 3rd CB as his defensive sweeping play was pretty smart however with Can also being off the pace, Spurs were allowed to dominate the middle of the park. Maybe this was the manager having one eye on Thursday nigh…..actually it was defo Klopp holding back the players for midweek.
As for the Sturridge/Owen debate, and In order for these players to conquer the Kop, they need to forget themselves and there daft goal celebrations, and lay themselves bare to the fans, dropping this too cool for school act, and acknowledge the crowd and celebrate as if their pleasure is paramount and means everything to them.
Smith needs games coz Moreno does nothing good enough to make a positive difference and is therefore substandard. It’s time to seriously consider other options.