Sunderland Home 28/03/10

[midg23]

Right lets get the Manc defeat behind us so im going to give it a go starting this thread, hope ill have a good winning start thread ratio after this game.

I think we should beat Sunderland as, lets be honest, they're piss poor.

This match could start off a good run of what should be wins against Sunderland, Birmingham, Fulham, and Burnley. So lets get off to a good start with 3 points from this match!

Should start with

Reina
Johnson Carra Agger Insua
Mascherano
Aquilani
Maxi Gerrard Babel
Torres


Discuss

[CrazyHorse]

Why drop Gerrard????

Why would you drop a player that can win a game in a split second?

The fact is, that he and Torres are being starved of the ball... you cant expect much from these players when the're not recieving the ball in areas that they can do damage in.

I'd go for the same line-up as today with the exception of Mash/Lucas, in place of Aquilani.
When Aquilani played v Pompey the other day, Nando & Stevie both looked like their former selves, why??? Creativity behind them, thats why.

[midg23]

Point Taken

[gavindoyle]

Start the team that finished on the pitch today

[ronnie10]

Right lets get the Manc defeat behind us so im going to give it a go starting this thread, hope ill have a good winning start thread ratio after this game.

I think we should beat Sunderland as, lets be honest, they're piss poor.

This match could start off a good run of what should be wins against Sunderland, Birmingham, Fulham, and Burnley. So lets get off to a good start with 3 points from this match!

Should start with

Reina
Johnson Carra Agger Insua
Mascherano
Aurelio
Maxi Gerrard Babel
Torres

And if need be, drop Gerrard for this game( fire him up for Benfica Match) Move Aquilani up behind Torres and Lucas in center midfield.

Discuss

Fabio is injured and why play a left back in centre midfield. Benny should be playing games, babel should be playing games. Rafa should grow a set and get off his defensive pesimistic attitude and play the way we can play best and is by attacking well.

Reina

Glen Kyriakos Carra Agger

Yossi Mash/Lucas Gerrard Babel

Aqualini

Torres


This would be our most attcking team that can be put out but we'll probably see nine defencive players out next week.

[midg23]

Oops Sorry lads, i obviously ment Aquilani instead of Aureli, dunno why his name even came into my head

[The beard]

Oops Sorry lads, i obviously ment Aquilani instead of Aureli, dunno why his name even came into my head

Don't put yourself down too quick. Rafa could do anything at this stage :eek: He never ceases to amaze me.

[byrnetred]

Start the team that finished on the pitch today
what he said...

[ROCCO]

Reina
Johnson Carra Agger Insua
Mascherano
Aquilani
Babel Gerrard Yossi
Torres

[serpheus]

Drop Inpooha and stick Agger on the left and the greek back in the centre??

[barrydoherty]

Drop Inpooha and stick Agger on the left and the greek back in the centre??

Agreed, Actually anyone but Insua.

Torres VS McShane 3 points in the bag

[sarahpool]

is torres not suspended? he got his 5th yellow yesterday? i really do hope not because i am going to the game sum body please give me gud news :)

[serpheus]

is torres not suspended? he got his 5th yellow yesterday? i really do hope not because i am going to the game sum body please give me gud news :)
No its 10 yellows

[sarahpool]

No its 10 yellows


You have made my day :)

Thank you

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Agreed, Actually anyone but Insua.

Torres VS McShane 3 points in the bag

Has McShane not been playing for Hull for about 2 years?...


One of those games when we need an early goal.

[barrydoherty]

Has McShane not been playing for Hull for about 2 years?...


One of those games when we need an early goal.

Haha yeah just relieased that, don't what the memory like today at all

[KOPSTAR]

Drop Inpooha and stick Agger on the left and the greek back in the centre??
+1:)

[ROCCO]

No its 10 yellows

Thought suspensions were finished now ? unless sent off ..

[serpheus]

Thought suspensions were finished now ? unless sent off ..
Not till the second sunday of April

[ROCCO]

Not till the second sunday of April

i see ;)

[ROCCO]

Rafa wants defensive stabilty and we want more attack minded players .. so ?
Gerrard Masch

Yossi Aquilani Babel

Torres

id prefer


Masch Aquilani

Babel Gerrard Yossi

Torres

[bobby benitez]

Cant wait for the final whistle so we will 1 game closer to next season.

[prendy]

Cant wait for the final whistle so we will 1 game closer to next season.

+10000000000


its like a bad dream. :(

[DanielSwagger89]

Surely Rafa has to throw off the shackles and attack Sunderland?
They're poor at the back and if we go for it, it should be a comfotable win.
Win the midfield battle and we win because that would cut off Bent and Jones' supply (ie: they're only threat).

[Liverpool-law]

Cant wait for the final whistle so we will 1 game closer to next season.

Or more precisely the end of this one. I think I will need all of the summer to recover to be able to pick myself up for next season...

[barnestormer]

this jones is out of this game injured ;)

[ROCCO]

as i said before the same team v Pompey would be spot on imo ..... another fact is Sunderland have scored more goals in the first 15 mins in the league than any other side , a fact that wont have passed the mind of Rafa , so expect a very tight/cautious first 20 mins .. may even see similar side that played Utd and see the same subs in the 2nd half ......
Sunderlands away form is one of the worst in the league over the last 7 games v our 18 pts from 18 pts at Home , so will be very interesting what way Rafa approaches this one imo.... v Pompey or v UTD ?

No need to go to gun ho as were still in the race for 4th and still a lot to lose ... if Lucas plays lets hope its the same one who played v Lille with the freedom to get forward ..

[glen]

whoever goes out on that pitch we should have enough to beat sunderland darren bent is the danger he is in great form plus any beach balls that may surface but 3 points is a must with spurs at home to pompey and city at home to wigan

[ROCCO]

If Aurelio was fit Insua would have been rested by now looks as though he needs it as well ... wont happen but wouldn't mind having a look at ..

Reina

Glen ...Cara ...Kyrgiakos ...Agger

Masch

..............Aquilani

Maxi .....Gerrard .....Babel

Torres


:confused:

[edcarroll02]

No need to go to gun ho as were still in the race for 4th and still a lot to lose ... if Lucas plays lets hope its the same one who played v Lille with the freedom to get forward ..

I agree with the mentality switch but regardless of what Rafa thinks Lucas doesn't have the same attacking prowess as Aquaman and if he's giving one midfielder a licence to roam it may as well be Aqua. Give Masch and Aqua the mid field and let them run it. Lets go with the exact same line up as against portsmouth.

[ROCCO]

I agree with the mentality switch but regardless of what Rafa thinks Lucas doesn't have the same attacking prowess as Aquaman and if he's giving one midfielder a licence to roam it may as well be Aqua. Give Masch and Aqua the mid field and let them run it. Lets go with the exact same line up as against portsmouth.

When we signed Lucas from Grêmio he was a attacking midfielder and the reason he was the youngest player ever to win the Golden Ball in Brazil { won by Zico, Falcão , Romario, Kaká and Tévez } .... imo Lucas would be a better box to box midfielder if told to play the role .. V Lille he showed it imo .

Imo were playing Lucas in the wrong type of Role ..... has got better and it will improve his over all game .

[edcarroll02]

When we signed Lucas from Grêmio he was a attacking midfielder and the reason he was the youngest player ever to win the Golden Ball in Brazil { won by Zico, Falcão , Romario, Kaká and Tévez } .... imo Lucas would be a better box to box midfielder if told to play the role .. V Lille he showed it imo .

Imo were playing Lucas in the wrong type of Role ..... has got better and it will improve his over all game .

I completely agree with you but I just feel that for Sundays game we would be better off going with Aquaman who hasn't been tied to the half way line for the last two years.

I would love to see Lucas playing with the shackles off and getting into the box and lending a hand in attacks because i think he could be a much better player than we've seen from him (and thats not an insult, i've been more than happy with him this season but i've always felt he had much more to offer)

[ROCCO]

I completely agree with you but I just feel that for Sundays game we would be better off going with Aquaman who hasn't been tied to the half way line for the last two years.

I would love to see Lucas playing with the shackles off and getting into the box and lending a hand in attacks because i think he could be a much better player than we've seen from him (and thats not an insult, i've been more than happy with him this season but i've always felt he had much more to offer)

Hope Aquilani starts myself .... but if Lucas starts hope he has the same freedom to get forward like he did v Lille ..
Have a feeling Rafa will rest Kuyt again as imo he needs it As his performances have suffered with playing nearly every game and will save him for the Benfica game away .. and Maxi will play on the right ...

[LFC21]

Hope Aquilani starts myself .... but if Lucas starts hope he has the same freedom to get forward like he did v Lille ..
Have a feeling Rafa will rest Kuyt again as imo he needs it As his performances have suffered with playing nearly every game and will save him for the Benfica game away .. and Maxi will play on the right ...

Spot on.
Reckon Aqua is certain 2 start after Benitez's comments midweek. Think Insua's looking worse for wear and needs a rest. Babels hit a bit of form lately so hopefully, Benitez will trust him on Sunday and also play Maxi on the right. I reckon Masch 2 start over Lucas for this one and Yossi to make an appearence at some stage hopefully

[merc]

This wont be the easiest of games and if we play defensive we might struggle to take full points. Sunderland have done well against the big clubs this season.

Need to go out and get stuck into them fromthe start. Plenty of attempts on goal and playing the ball forward (Not Hoofing ).
We are capable of beating them if we play the right game.

Would love to see the following team.

---------Reina------
Johnson --Carra-- Agger (nick the greek) --Insua (Fabio if he is fit)
Bable -----Aqua--- Mach--- Yousi
------Stevie G---
-----Torress----


Could bring Maxi into the equation at some stage also. and if we got one or two up let Ngog have a bit of time under his belt.

[stevieg]

Similar team to that which started against Portsmouth should suffice.

Hope all the players are up for it tomorrow as we can still get fourth and win a trophy this season.

[midg23]

Similar team to that which started against Portsmouth should suffice.

Hope all the players are up for it tomorrow as we can still get fourth and win a trophy this season.

Damn Right!!!

[babbsnads]

Throw the kitchen sink at them from the off.not just this game but every league game from now till the end of the season. I reckon that's the only way we,ll get the points we need.

[shibox]

Some might say we are still in with a good chance of 4th place. Others say it's all over.
imo, this is the crunch game. If we don't take 3 points here then yeah no 4th place for defo.
Really have to win every game now, bar perhaps a draw with chelsea towards the end.
Big Ask.

[bono]

Whats Rafa's record against fat boy Bruce at home anyone?

[MCLOCO]

word just in bent has packed his beachball reina needs to be carefull out their today haha :)

[Podgecheco]

Gerrard has to put in a performance today mouthing all week in the press, i reckon ill be backing im 9 2 to score first

[elvis]

word just in bent has packed his beachball reina needs to be carefull out their today haha :)

Thats my bet for the day,.

[justydawson]

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Make your voices heard today - YANKS OUT!

[djdwainec]

one of my friends says e's liverpools "biggest " supporter, the pricks puttin money on sunderland as e says its good value :(

[djdwainec]

The Reds team v Sunderland: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Insua, Mascherano, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Rodriguez, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, El Zhar, Ngog, Benayoun, Lucas, Aquilani, Kyrgiakos.

[stevieg]

The Reds team v Sunderland: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Insua, Mascherano, Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel, Rodriguez, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, El Zhar, Ngog, Benayoun, Lucas, Aquilani, Kyrgiakos.

He could be going Kuyt up top with Torres maybe? or playing just off him with Gerrard in midfield maybe?

[stevieg]

Robbier Fowler on the panel on Sky Sports, looks like he has had his teeth whitened:D

[djdwainec]

SAFC: Gordon, Bardsley, Richardson, Ferdinand, Turner, Malbranque, Campbell, Henderson, Cana (C), Cattermole, Bent.

Subs: Carson, Da Silva, Kilgallon, Benjani, Zenden, Jones, Liddle.

[ROCCO]

Torres
Babel ...Kuyt ...Maxi
Masch ...Gerrard
Insua Agger Carra Johnson
Reina

Torres ..Kuyt
Babel Gerrard Masch Maxi
Insua Agger Carra Johnson
Reina

Torres ..Kuyt
Babel ...Gerrard ...Maxi
Masch
Insua Agger Carra Johnson
Reina

[Phil!]

IK Banner behind Kevin Phillips:D

[T.N.F]

annoyed at no Aquilani. Still a good team though

[up the pool]

Torres ..Kuyt
Babel ...Gerrard ...Maxi
Masch
Insua Agger Carra Johnson
Reina[/QUOTE

hope its this line up

[The beard]

Any good streams .

[loppy]

wonder if robbie brought he's boots. Give him 20 mins at the end. :) :) good to see him on the panel.

[up the pool]

any good streams?

[T.N.F]

any good streams?

This channel in Sopcast should be good if you have it - Channel - 6816

[ROCCO]

http://lfcglobe.com/stream-links-liverpool-vs-sunderland-h/

[The beard]

Cheers lads :)

[ROCCO]

http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=69235&part=sports


loads of streams .....

[trucker]

Remember lads Aqualanis Liverpool career is about to take off.

[djdwainec]

anyway, on to supporting our team , come on lads, nearly got off to a great start there

[Phil!]

Wow

[djdwainec]

great start come on lads 3 or 4 and clean sheet

[LFC Lad]

Yes!!!! Fantastic goal Nando!!!!

[clayton]

S c r e a m e r

[stevieg05]

Thats just what he does, gets the ball out wide, a few step overs and bang....top corner, sweet as a nut!!!!!!!! He's unreal!!!

[up the pool]

s**t missed it i need a stream that works:(

[stevieg05]

s**t missed it i need a stream that works:(
This is the one im usin, its pretty good http://zonein.tv/3043

[up the pool]

playing some good stuff-keep it going lads:)

[stevieg05]

We are tearin them apart so far, need to be more clinical with our finishing. Maxi has looked very good, linkin up well with stevie

[up the pool]

This is the one im usin, its pretty good http://zonein.tv/3043

sound its pretty good so far;)

[clayton]

i was tempted to stick 900 quid on the pool at 1/3, didn't in the end

[crumlin red]

get in there

[LFC Lad]

YES!!!! Well done Glen!!!

Get in there!

[up the pool]

i was tempted to stick 900 quid on the pool at 1/3, didn't in the end

i was gona stick a ton for torres anytime and win @evs and didnt oh well:D

[djdwainec]

great goal, come on lads keep goin

[rev]

Who's that lot out there imitating Liverpool :confused::confused:

[prendy]

wow were playing unreal today.

great to see!

[up the pool]

torres is human:eek:

[stevieg05]

Thompson and rush hahaha unlucky torres, shuda scored tho

[clayton]

wow were playing unreal today.

great to see!

anything to do with the change of tactics i wonder ??

[up the pool]

i know its not hard but this is deffo best performance of the season so far its an absolute pleasure to watch this:D

[prendy]

anything to do with the change of tactics i wonder ??

well 7 points off 4th so no other option.

just shows we are capable of creating so many cances when the shackles come off. if we play like this 45 for the rest of the season we WILL win every game.

[Phil!]

Much better absolutely dominated Maxi looked good two super goals more of the same!

[stevieg05]

i know its not hard but this is deffo best performance of the season so far its an absolute pleasure to watch this:D
Yep definately, thats the most enjoyable 45 mins iv had watchin us this season, hopefuly we can keep it up 2nd half

anything to do with the change of tactics i wonder ??
A lot to do with it, i hate slatin the guy but if lucas was playin i dont think we would be playin the fluid attackin football we are so far today.

[rev]

just shows we are capable of creating so many cances when the shackles come off.

Same as the end of last season ;)

[stevieg]

i know its not hard but this is deffo best performance of the season so far its an absolute pleasure to watch this:D

Don't worry it won't be long before the doom and gloom merchants are on picking holes!! Like....... Why is Aquilani not playing ? Because we went with 2 up top and Gerrard is a better centre mid and we won!!!!

[The beard]

The best passing and movement off the ball we've seen in a long time. This is what L.F.C is supposed to be about. Hope this is how we play till the end of the season and far beyond. :)

[djdwainec]

great stuff today absolutely everyone playing well, maxi having a really good game now, need to keep playing like this get 4th and get ready for next season.

[Molby Is a Legend]

Stupid firewalls in work wont let any of the streams play :(

[Aido82]

we play so much better without lucas in the team.
Lucas and Masher are too defensive.

playing great, Nandos goal one of teh best of the season.

Any sign of the black hankercheifs or black flags in protest of the yanks???

[Podgecheco]

Stupid firewalls in work wont let any of the streams play :(

http://www.wikihow.com/Bypass-a-Firewall-or-Internet-Filter

[Molby Is a Legend]

http://www.wikihow.com/Bypass-a-Firewall-or-Internet-Filter

thanks podge but cant even get onto this site lol

should have brought my laptop with me...............

[up the pool]

get in:D

[LFC Lad]

Great goal Nando!

[The beard]

lovely stuff :)

[Podgecheco]

thanks podge but cant even get onto this site lol

should have brought my laptop with me...............

Jez they must be tight in your work!

some finish from nando

[stevieg05]

Nice pass from johnson to set him up, great finish tho

[djdwainec]

hope aqua comes on now soon

[D7Hooper]

What a finish from Nando, the boys a genious, all round super performance from everyone so far, get a few more now to rub it in that fatheaded scumlovers face

[Molby Is a Legend]

Jez they must be tight in your work!

some finish from nando

My bank account would certainly agree with you there :D

[GaryMc]

Goal difference is sevEn worse than spurs. The big guns should be left on Rafa.

[LOIREDSFAN]

Goal difference is sevEn worse than spurs. The big guns should be left on Rafa.

Goal difference doesn't matter when your this many points behind. I would have taken him off and save him for the upcoming games. IMO we need to win all of them to finish 4th

[GaryMc]

Goal difference doesn't matter when your this many points behind. I would have taken him off and save him for the upcoming games. IMO we need to win all of them to finish 4th

Was being sarcastic :D no doubt the Rafa haters will throw it aginst him.

[Tarabuses]

Goal difference doesn't matter when your this many points behind. I would have taken him off and save him for the upcoming games. IMO we need to win all of them to finish 4th

Even if we win them all goal difference could still matter.

[TrueRed92]

Goal difference is sevEn worse than spurs. The big guns should be left on Rafa.

why would we keep them on?

[LOIREDSFAN]

Was being sarcastic :D no doubt the Rafa haters will throw it aginst him.

Meh i need one of these
http://www.danwallacemusic.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/sarcasm-detector-thumb.jpg

[up the pool]

thanks for putting out that side rafa and playing good attacking football i enjoyed that may it continue:D:D

[denashpot]

Good game and result. Torres is the best striker in the PL by a distance. Should of had 3 or 4 today.

[Phil!]

Torres is unbelievable so cool of a finisher! Great result and delighted with the performance!

[edcarroll02]

Anyone know where i'd get highlights of the game??

[midg23]

Ha, Steve Bruce ha a head like a beachball!!!

A good win for us today!

an very nice to see that SS made a cut away to the crowd that stayed on afterwards to protest against G&H

[trucker]

Protest loud and clear,fair play to the lads dissapointed with the turnout for the protest, but as usual the majority of season ticket holders dont give a fcuk, and some(not all before people start) locals think the daytrippers dont care about the club, fair play to the lads staying behind.

[Con]

Why can't we open up and play like that every week? Great performance but we'll need to play like that for the remaining games to finish 4th

[Molby Is a Legend]

Anyone know where i'd get highlights of the game??

MOTD 2 tonight

[CrazyHorse]

Great to hear the protest loud and clear, and Sky even mentioned, just... the cnuts!!

Great performance and result today, the first 20 miutes was by far the best football we've played this season.

One touch, movement, desire to win the ball, and Torres goals were of the highest quality.

You can have yer rooney with his headers, I's swap Nando with no-one, ****ing legend he is!!

Credit to everyone today after last week, really took it sunderland and showed we are miles better than where we are placed at the moment. ( as much as a contradiction this sounds, Im sure yis all know what I mean :) )

[Shay]

Protest loud and clear,fair play to the lads dissapointed with the turnout for the protest, but as usual the majority of season ticket holders dont give a fcuk, and some(not all before people start) locals think the daytrippers dont care about the club, fair play to the lads staying behind.

Same here although a bit sarcastic coming from me sitting here at home as i didnt make it to the game, more strenght needed from local support without a doubt.

Did ye see Fowler on after? He mentions his Oz clubs financial woes, protest on in the background and not a word about our own lol.......come on Rob

Great performance, attitute was spot on today. Thought most played a blinder, Maxi was quality today imo and of course...............the Torres horn is back!

[garyc]

Great performance today...........especially in the first half!!
Just think how this season COULD have been if we played like this a little bit more!!:confused:

The games that really stick out in my mind are Fulham(away), Sunderland(away), Portsmouth(away), Wigan(away), four games that were easily winnable if we had have played even HALF as well as we did today!!
Thats 12 points straight away which would put us right back in the mix!!

[denashpot]

Anyone know where i'd get highlights of the game??

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/5188538/

[Malzheimer]

First half is the best half we've played this season imo. Need to play like its a european night or cup final every league game from here to end of season.

Torres=Orgasmic...stick yer fcukin Shrek!

[david_w]

A few points:

- Agger was a breath of fresh air the way he strolled out with the ball at times.
- Insua seemed to implement a bit of steel and confidence in his play today after his 'raping' last week. Encouraging again.
- We don't need Lucas and Masher at home to inferior sides. Stop doing it Rafa.
- Babel is slowly turning his career around here. I hope he gets into the Dutch World Cup squad and returns to Melwood buzzing.
- Maxi relishes from increased movement around him. When we play well we see the player in Maxi emerge. I like him.
- It is exciting to watch a fit Gerrard, Torres and Glenjo in full flight. Along with Babel it gives us pace throughout he pitch.

Job done. Well done to all concerned.

[gowinit6times]

Today was the best we have played in a long time, its a long time since we created so many chances in a game. If we had a fit Torres all season we'd be easily in 4th by now.

Very strange comments from 'arry Redknapp saying we are favourites for 4th. Maybe he is worried that Spurs are goin to s**t the load again.

[rev]

Great to be back to winning ways!

[crumlin red]

great performance today especially the first half the passing was so crisp
and the movement off the ball was great.well done lads

agger looked back to his old self today which was good to see

[wonit5times]

the first half today was the best ive seen us play in along time. Passing was crisp and are movemnet was brilliant. Gerrard is better suited bursting from the midfield and torres is better supported in a 4-4-2 formation.

All round could have and should have been more but im happy with a 3-0 win

[Yoko]

I feel :)

[Podgecheco]

Great performance always thought wed win but i thought we might have to sit through the old boring play but we played class had some flare all over the pitch

As regards the goal difference spurs would have to drop points in order for them to be in affect which would mean a negative affect in their goal difference. if we kept winning and they lost one or 2 we could be back even or in front

[rev]

Spurs have a tough few games ahead.. Anyways - all we can do is take it a game at a time and hopefully take 3pts from each one

[brendan fenn]

saw the real liverpool play today,magic!!!!

[The beard]

Spurs have a tough few games ahead.. Anyways - all we can do is take it a game at a time and hopefully take 3pts from each one

Your spot on. We'llhave to take every game as it comes , we cant do anything about any body else's fixtures, but support our lads through ours.

[T.N.F]

Its a good result also because fat head won't want his team losing two in a row so they should be well up for the Spurs game next week

[The beard]

Its a good result also because fat head won't want his team losing two in a row so they should be well up for the Spurs game next week

Fat head is a bit strong, think about the mans feelings ffs. just say flat nose or pancakeface will suffice ok :D

[CrazyHorse]

Fat head is a bit strong, think about the mans feelings ffs. just say flat nose or pancakeface will suffice ok :D

I fully endorse both alternative nicknames.

[Andrew]

Anyone know where I could find highlights of the game? Thanks

[rushiekop]

Anyone know where I could find highlights of the game? Thanks

Couple of minutes of highlights here http://soccer-portal.org/england/epl-highlights/1630-28-03-2010-liverpool-v-sunderland.html

[Andrew]

Thanks

Great goals there. All 3 of them.

[rushiekop]

Thanks

Great goals there. All 3 of them.

Your welcome brilliant goals and a good performance in general today

[Badman]

excellent performance - very similar to the pompey game...and the one common denominator is only one defensive midfielder and one ball-playing midfielder. it didnt matter whether it was masch OR lucas that played...it only mattered that just ONE of them played. with gerrard or even aquamn in there the ball was continuously moving forward and thus torres was getting more ball - ergo 2 more goals for the worlds best striker. i mean it mite seem like pointing out the bleedingly obvious but the more ball u get to torres the more he'll create and score. if that was the blueprint for how we apporach every game then the 'Rafa Benitez Megathread' wouldnt exist nor would the debalte about whether he stays or goes. yes u can lose by playing that way, but ure far more likely to win and far LESS likely to lose 10 league games by march. it was prob the 1st leage game this season, or at least in the past 6 months where i actually enjoyed the quality of the football..albeit agaisnt a hopeless s'land side who just stood off us and admired us. clas double by the hitman too, beautiful first and ice cool for the 2nd. enjoyed that game and i havent said that too often lately

[edcarroll02]

excellent performance - very similar to the pompey game...and the one common denominator is only one defensive midfielder and one ball-playing midfielder. it didnt matter whether it was masch OR lucas that played...it only mattered that just ONE of them played. with gerrard or even aquamn in there the ball was continuously moving forward and thus torres was getting more ball - ergo 2 more goals for the worlds best striker. i mean it mite seem like pointing out the bleedingly obvious but the more ball u get to torres the more he'll create and score. if that was the blueprint for how we apporach every game then the 'Rafa Benitez Megathread' wouldnt exist nor would the debalte about whether he stays or goes. yes u can lose by playing that way, but ure far more likely to win and far LESS likely to lose 10 league games by march. it was prob the 1st leage game this season, or at least in the past 6 months where i actually enjoyed the quality of the football..albeit agaisnt a hopeless s'land side who just stood off us and admired us. clas double by the hitman too, beautiful first and ice cool for the 2nd. enjoyed that game and i havent said that too often lately

I completely agree with you about the quality of football played when we have someone in the middle that can bring the ball forward and link in with Torres it was great to be watching liverpool and seeing great entertaining football at the same time, I just find it terribly ironic that for all the talk of brilliant football and all our best goal in the game came from Jamie Carragher football, long ball from Reina expertly controlled and sublimely finished by the worlds greatest striker.

[RedPaddy]

the first half today was the best ive seen us play in along time. Passing was crisp and are movemnet was brilliant. Gerrard is better suited bursting from the midfield and torres is better supported in a 4-4-2 formation.

All round could have and should have been more but im happy with a 3-0 win


ditto
was great to see it even in only 1 match so far this season!!:rolleyes:
contary to other people ere, i didn't think babel was up to much.....he wouldn't get round a lamp post !:rolleyes:

[merc]

Missed the game yesterday but was watching the highlights on MOTD2 last night. Looked like we play the type of football I have been waiting on all season.
Nando is on fire at the minute and if he keeps it up we could cruise to 4th spot even beating the chavs.
Like I said only seen the highlights but Maxi looked realy good and fair dues to the man Kuyt with all the stick he has been getting.

Didnt show much of Bable but Lee Dixon comeented that he had a great game?
How did he play?

Need to keep this momentium going now til the end of the season.
That was one of the games were we could have droped points.

[T.N.F]

Missed the game yesterday but was watching the highlights on MOTD2 last night. Looked like we play the type of football I have been waiting on all season.
Nando is on fire at the minute and if he keeps it up we could cruise to 4th spot even beating the chavs.
Like I said only seen the highlights but Maxi looked realy good and fair dues to the man Kuyt with all the stick he has been getting.

Didnt show much of Bable but Lee Dixon comeented that he had a great game?
How did he play?

Need to keep this momentium going now til the end of the season.
That was one of the games were we could have droped points.

I didn't think Babel did enough to stand out for praise on MOTD2. He was lively and dangerous I suppose which is good, but he was up to a lot of his old habits, running blind alleys, taking the wrong option and poor control.

That said though, he has definately improved with his workrate and helping out defensively, so as long as we see that, you can't critcise too much.

I definately thought Maxi stood out again, some lovely neat passing and a very good option to go to so as not to be as predictable as Gerrard -> Torres -> Goal!

[sligo fan]

Hi, I missed the match yesterday, does anyonr have a quick link to see the goals?

[Skintown Red]

Hi, I missed the match yesterday, does anyonr have a quick link to see the goals?

Try this

http://www.footytube.com/video/liverpool-sunderland-mar28-38380

[sligo fan]

Thanks for that

Try this

http://www.footytube.com/video/liverpool-sunderland-mar28-38380

[T.N.F]

Thanks for that

MOTD 2 Highlights (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcr2hu_liverpool-v-sunderland_sport?start=1)

[redabbey]

Fanzone from Sky Sports (http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,26691,12606,00.html)

[GaryMc]

I didn't think Babel did enough to stand out for praise on MOTD2. He was lively and dangerous I suppose which is good, but he was up to a lot of his old habits, running blind alleys, taking the wrong option and poor control.

That said though, he has definately improved with his workrate and helping out defensively, so as long as we see that, you can't critcise too much.

I definately thought Maxi stood out again, some lovely neat passing and a very good option to go to so as not to be as predictable as Gerrard -> Torres -> Goal!

Yesterday he got himself in some excellent positions but the final ball left a lot to be desired. His crossing from the left is one of his weak points, he is always cutting in. A few times he beat the same defenders three times in about 10 seconds, but still did not get the ball in.

One thing I will say he is chasing back and working his socks off.

[redspider]

Liverpool 3 Sunderland 0
Torres 3
Johnson 32
Torres 60

This was a dominating performance from Liverpool and a very positive game for all concerned - Liverpool Players, the Management team and Fans alike. Liverpool controlled the game, had some inspiring creativity, created most of the scoring chances, and took all 3 points comfortably. A good day at the office for Liverpool FC.

Rafa lined up Liverpool in his standard 4-2-3-1 formation although with the freedom in midfield it was more like a 4-1-4-1 formation. Maxi was played once again to good effect, this time with a more central role, Babel was on left wing duties, Kuyt roamed inside and across the pitch and Gerrard was more deeper than usual but had the opportunity to move forward as well.

———— Reina ————
Johnson - Carra - Agger – Insua
--------- - Mascherano ----
Kuyt – Maxi – Gerrard - Babel
——––––– Torres———

Aquilani came on for Kuyt at 71 mins, N’Gog for Torres at 78 mins, and El-Zhar came on at 81 mins to rest Gerrard, all done when the game was effectively over as a contest.

Liverpool started brightly and had Sunderland’s goalie exercised in the 1st minute with an Agger volley. Then Torres scored a great goal in the 3rd minute when cutting in from the left wing, he shot to the far corner a near unstoppable shot. This early goal helped Liverpool build in terms of confidence as they laid out their intentions for all of the first half.

Liverpool had chance after chance as Torres came close again, as did Agger a couple of time as well as the typical long range rasper from Mascherano. Maxi had a header saved as well and Gerrard was involved in a lot of the moves. Liverpool grabbed their 2nd goal when Johnson cut in and saw his left-foot shot slightly deflected and past an unsighted Gordon in goals. It was what the Liverpool team deserved.

Liverpool were oozing with confidence and could have been 5-0 up at half-time. Torres hit the post after a good move that had the likes of Ian Rush and others animated when watching from the stands, a reminder of Liverpool moves from a different era. Meanwhile, Sunderland were limited to just one chance in the half which went wide.

Liverpool were in control for the 2nd half too. Torres nearly scored but for a last gasp defending block as Gerrard and Johnson linked up well. But on 60 minutes resistance proved futile as Johnson dinked in a neat pass to Torres who flashed it home from just inside the box. It made it 3-0 and settled the match as a contest, if there was any contest. This time, there was no beach ball to determine the result.

Liverpool eased off at the end as they rolled out the subs. Zenden came close to a late consolation goal as he tested Reina. The match ended 3-0 and the tally at the end of the match read Liverpool’s 25 attempts to Sunderland’s 7, a clear indicator of dominance.

A digression: Formations can be awkward tools to use to describe the movement and positions of players at any one time. Liverpool play asymmetrically most games as do most teams. Players do not have equal nor mirror-image attributes. Babel was closer to hugging the touchline on the left, whereas Kuyt roamed inside a lot more on the right and even popped up on the left at times. Gerrard has more of a holding role than Maxi yet both forayed forward and Mascherano was the only real holding midfielder. Torres was the target man so moved across the pitch. And both Johnson and Insua provided attacking options on the wings but not exactly the same with Johnson more effective and more dangerous. None of these facets can be simply captured in a mere formation description such as 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1.

So, a simple win for Liverpool. In terms of the race for 4th, Liverpool had an okay weekend as Aston Villa were thrashed 7-1 by a rampaging Chelsea. However, Tottenham won their match so are in pole position, albeit with a tough run-in of matches. For Liverpool next in the league its Birmingham, which should be another 3 points, although they nabbed Arsenal at the weekend with a draw.

In terms of the run-in, Liverpool play teams fighting the relegation battle, such as West Ham, Burnley and Hull, so will have a say in who goes down perhaps, plus we play Chelsea, so will have a say at the top. The most important thing though is that we have a strong say in our own destiny and wins in the ‘easy’ matches is a key. Anything from the Chelsea match, even if 3 points, should be treated as a bonus. For now, the team seem to have the right attitude. Lets see if they can continue that in both league and in Europe (Europa).

Redspider

http://LiverpoolRedspider.wordpress.com

[F@ces]

I decided to have a play with the Guardian Chalkboards (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/chalkboards) to see if it would highlight anything interesting about the performance and certain players involvements. I used passes as this shows position on the pitch during the game. Blue are completed passes. Red are unsuccessful ones.

Make of it what you will. Raised a few interesting points for me.

Johnson: I seriously believe this guy could be one of the best right-backs to ever play for this club. If he can stay injury free he is a huge asset. He bombed forward regularly and completed most passes, also bagging an assist.

Kuyt: Playing behind Torres and the chalkboard shows he got himself about quite a bit. Can't doubt his running and work ethic.

Maxi: Interestingly, he spent quite a lot of time in our own half. This shows he's willing to track back and help out (imo). Moved between both wings during the game when attacking.

Gerrard: Was all over the place. Interestingly, this also perhaps highlights his lack of success from corners.

Babel: Didn't think he was as good as some people claimed, but put in a good shift. The chalkboard does show that his final ball may need a bit of work.

Masch: Everywhere, busy, rarely misplaces a pass.

Anyway, this is just a few chalkboards - have fun :)

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa169/eganfr/guardian_chalkboard_vSunderland3-0.jpg