A NEW one, this, taking 10 talking point from yesterday’s game. We asked TAW contributors to message us on the final whistle as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. This is what we got back.
1. Where’s Wijnaldum?
I’ve NO idea what Wijnaldum offers us. Passenger again in my opinion. What’s mad is we already have players who play that role better than him if that’s what we signed him for. Don’t get him. DAN VINCENT @dpvdecorators
Don’t want to get on Wijnaldum’s back but I fail to see what he offers us in that role. STU WRIGHT @stuwright78
Don’t know what exactly Wijnaldum is supposed to be doing in that midfield and don’t think he does either. DANNY AUSTIN @Danny_Austin14
2. FFS, Ref
A game that very much sums up how football is about fine margins. On a different day Mané gets to one of the balls fractionally earlier than Vorm, the ‘keeper’s sent off and we’re a couple of goals to the good. Wijnaldum releases it fractionally earlier or Lallana holds his run and we’re 2-0 up. Dominant in the first half but just couldn’t quite take our chances. If we’d gone in with a two or three-goal lead at half-time I’m not sure anyone can complain. The FA, meanwhile, have made a rod for their own back with this ridiculous “grappling in the box” nonsense. If they can’t be consistent across the board they shouldn’t be trying to implement the rule. Bobby Madeley poor throughout for both teams. ADAM SMITH. @Adam_Smith_82
The ref was a bad prick. STEPHEN EVANS @StephenEvans75
The ref was a cock. DAVE SEGAR @whichdave
3. Sturr Crazy?
Putting Sturridge on for four minutes was ridiculous. DAN VINCENT @dpvdecorators
Today was the second league game in a row where our substitutions made us weaker, not stronger. It was a common theme last year and appears to be one of Klopp’s managerial weaknesses. The decision to leave our best goalscorer and arguably best player Daniel Sturridge on the bench until there was just three minutes left when we needed a goal will raise lots of questions over the next two weeks — is he being punished for his comments to the press about being unhappy to play out wide, or does he just not suit the way Klopp wants to play? If it’s the latter, then what does that say about his future at the club? NEIL DOCKING @NeilDocking
Is it not horses for courses, though? The false nine with Firmino worked at Stamford Bridge, The Etihad and, arguably, today. If Sturridge plays 25 games and gets a decent stretch from the bench in 10 others is that good enough? We won’t really know how much Klopp likes him and wants to use him until the end of the season. I think the whole Sturridge question is becoming a bit of a circus now. It can’t be a story every single time he doesn’t start. We’re not Daniel Sturridge FC. ADAM SMITH @Adam_Smith_82
Think it’s quite clear under Klopp that Sturridge will almost exclusively be used as 1) a starter vs bottom half opposition and 2) an impact sub (at best) vs the top sides. Quite simply a brilliant finisher but lacks the constant work rate and energy Klopp demands from every player. The system will always be more important than shoehorning the best individuals into the side (still think DS is our most naturally gifted player). All boils down to whether Sturridge will be happy to accept that kind of role for the benefit of the team; long term not sure he will as plenty of sides out there would have him as their main man. JOEL RABINOWITZ @_lfcjoel
4. The Little Magician Needs More Tricks
Surely only a matter of time before Klopp brings Coutinho deeper. His missed chances today showed that’s not his position, while he was mostly tidy in possession and displaying good touches around the centre circle. Pull him back and get Daniel Sturridge in the front three, that way we have a more natural finisher up there. @jsexton24
5. Two Points Dropped?
Felt like an amalgamation of the Arsenal and Burnley games. Some nice exciting countering coupled with wastefulness at the crucial moment. Mane’s passing seemed off, but still a constant threat. Henderson is so out of form, which doesn’t help Wijnaldum who is really struggling to assert himself. Coutinho needs several hundred hours of penalty area finishing at Melwood. Mr Consistent Clyne seems to have improved going forward and regressed going back. Goal was his fault. Matip looked good though. Feels like two points dropped but there’s no shame in that away to Spurs. Maybe Klopp will see now why people still want him to buy a centre mid. DAVE SEGAR @whichdave
Obvious points – After the disallowed goal Spurs heads go up and we lose control of the game. Origi coming on moves us to a more 4-1-4-1 and offers virtually nothing. Sturridge would have been a far better shout and occupied Spurs. Two points dropped, should have been wrapped up. IAN SALMON @IanRSalmon
6. Lacking A 90-Minute Performance
Concentrating on the negative, which is kind of my default, is it a concern that we seem to have a surfeit of players who can be great in individual moments but constantly struggle to sustain a 90 minute performance? Firmino, Wijnaldum (bit of a presumption at the moment, granted), Lallana, Coutinho even. Which is fine if you capitalise during the good spells. But if you don’t, you’re going to get punished. You’re not going to win games.
Lots to like about today, defence was generally solid, Henderson much improved, Mané a constant threat. But we need to learn to kill games when we’re on top. Otherwise nothing changes. NEIL SCOTT @66zimbo
7. The Cockniest Name Ever
Harry Winks is the Cockniest name ever. DANNY AUSTIN @Danny_Austin14
8. If Anyone Can, Emre Can
I was worried about Henderson before kick off but it is difficult to work out what more he could have done today. The manager spoke in the week backing him and he repaid that in full today. I still think Emre Can would have made a positive difference but more in terms of releasing him further forward. Henderson and Can can give Liverpool the bedrock to then play four attacking players and cut loose wherever they go. NEIL ATKINSON @Knox_Harrington
9. Still Not A Left Back
Would like us to start Milner regularly because he can rack up assists and get the odd goal, but not at left-back. DANNY AUSTIN @Danny_Austin14
10. Moaning
Fuck off you moaning cunts we battered them! Thought midfield functioned much better and they couldn’t live with our front three until they understandably tired. Great to see us much fitter than even Spurs though. Going down everywhere with cramp they were by the end the Southern tarts. We’ll get more clinical throughout the season. Up The Reds. JOHN GIBBONS @johngibbonsblog
LISTEN: Tottenham Hotspur 1 Liverpool 1: The Pink.
READ: Tottenham Hotspur 1 Liverpool 1: How It Happened.
READ: Tottenham Hotspur 1 Liverpool 1: Match Ratings.
READ: Tottenham Hotspur 1 Liverpool 1: Match Review.
Number 10! Amen. Back o’ da net, Gibbo.
Shout out to No.10! Well done John!
This feature is horrible and boring.
After a few days most of you are listenable people but post-match is really amateurish.
I don’t pay money to hear incoherent wankers walking out the game.
btw Could the broadcaster who once suggested Glen Johnson as the new vice captain please own up and quietly shoot themselves.
Sound, it’s not for you – swerve it next time, David.
Post-match shows are what they are – people talking straight after the game. If you don’t like it, don’t listen to it. It will continue to be part of The Anfield Wrap because loads of our listeners *do* like it. Feedback and constructive criticism is all fine but there’s no need for abuse. You come across like a prick there.
Don’t remember anyone suggesting that. But no one will be shooting themselves.
It’s raw which is exactly what it’s supposed to be.
Raw, emotional…as opposed to cold analysis, replay assisted etc
Just a different perspective. As said…if you don’t like it don’t listen to or read it but I am among many who see it as an essential part of the mix.
Oh ya and what’s the personal abuse about ?
A fiver a month doesn’t excuse that. No need for it. Behave.
Mr Gibbons you are a man after my own heart! I am so tired of listening to so called “supporters” whine about everything. The Reds are playing an exciting brand of football and they will only he better. They ran the Spurs in circles and were very unlucky not to take the three points. It’s time supporters started supporting instead of sniveling about everything “they think” Klopp and the team should do. Personally I value Klopp’s opinion more than those that garnered all of their football expertise watching television or reading the blogs of other misinformed “experts”. i don’t understand why people enjoy being so negative?
He’s not a man, he’s a very naughty boy.
One from the sofa:
Thought Firmino was excellent pressing from the front. As much as I think Sturridge is a better ‘striker’ I just don’t see him offering that same level of intensity, which is sad, but it is what it is. I’m hoping one day science discovers how to put Sturridge’s brain into Kuyt’s body to make the ideal Liverpool striker.
Would definitely support Daniel Sturridge FC if it existed tbh.
Same as what a glorious team it would be
Did I mention John’s no.10 comment. I hope you jump on the TAW podcast and say exactly that.