A few thoughts: -Selection and mentality seems to differ too much in home vs. away games. By the end of last season we were practically out of title chances but we had a mathematical chance to win the title and it seemed everyone from management to all players decided to just go for it. We played totally ruthless in many games, both home and away and won many game before half time. Now our home form has picked up, but we still show too much respect to the likes of Wolves and Stoke. -With Gerrard and Aquilani at centre midfield I perceive we shift our average position of possession 5-10 yards further upfield. By this we create a few more chances, get one or two players more in the box for crosses from the wings but also make it harder for our opponents set up attacks on their own. -Lucas was played by his strengths when he came on vs Bolton. He can hold up the ball and distribute it cautiously, his defensive positioning is also pretty good and I have no doubts that him and Masch can shut games down when called for. However, when we are supposed to dominate games we don't push the oppo's back line enough with Lucas on the pitch. Strangely whenever Lucas does decide to attack the box he often does pretty well, he has the ability to play clever passes charge forward for crosses etc. Why he does not do it more often I don't know. Is it orders from Rafa? Especially when we have Mascherano on the pitch as a 'safety' against counter attacks. -On Riera: his overall play during the last few games when he came back from injury has been a bit so-so. However his crossing is often really deadly. If it were up to me I'd have him to take care of all corners and FKs. Feels like 1 out of 5 Gerrard corners or crossing free-kicks are somewhat dangerous. Much, much better when Riera steps up. -Yes, Leo should have his paragraphing sorted.
