The end for Sami ?

[Guest Kev]

Can't help thinking that the substitution of Hyppia for Agger with 8 minutes to go during a 3-0 defeat is more a of a statement of intent rather than a tactical change.

[CaptainXabi]

Can't help thinking that the substitution of Hyppia for Agger with 8 minutes to go during a 3-0 defeat is more a of a statement of intent rather than a tactical change.

I agree, and it should have been done (in the metaphorical sense) the moment Agger proved he was ready for the big time at Chelsea. Granted, Carragher's not exactly on solid ground either.

[Guest kring]

Can't help thinking that the substitution of Hyppia for Agger with 8 minutes to go during a 3-0 defeat is more a of a statement of intent rather than a tactical change.

 

My thoughts exactly!

[Andy @ Allerton]

Can't help thinking that the substitution of Hyppia for Agger with 8 minutes to go during a 3-0 defeat is more a of a statement of intent rather than a tactical change.

 

Nope

[Guest Portly]

I think Agger still has to prove that he is ready yet to be part of our regular back four. Before you write Hyypia off, you should consider how our back four has looked this season when Hyypia has not been in it. We have been distinctly vulnerable in the air.

 

I don't know why Benitez took Hyypia off, but I very much doubt that it had any symbolic meaning. If he was seeking to make a point, he would surely have taken Carragher off, who had a much worse game than Hyypia.

[Swipe]

Can't help thinking that the substitution of Hyppia for Agger with 8 minutes to go during a 3-0 defeat is more a of a statement of intent rather than a tactical change.

 

I agree. Well, that's what i thought at the time. Said it elsewhere on the forum, too.

 

Think it's a cert Agger will start again Boro.

[Guest DanTheDaggerman]

Agger for League/Cup and Hyypia for Europe? Or a recipe for rotational disaster? Much of this season has passed me by with disappointment, but I recall Hyypia having good games in Europe this season. If so, maybe this is a way of easing Agger into the first team.

[Guest Portly]

 

Think it's a cert Agger will start again Boro.

 

I think it was more likely that Benitez took Hyypia off to make sure he would be available to start against Boro.

 

We will have to see who is right!

[Shanklyanfield]

Can't help thinking that the substitution of Hyppia for Agger with 8 minutes to go during a 3-0 defeat is more a of a statement of intent rather than a tactical change.

 

If I'm honest I just thought it was a weird substitution from Rafa as I thought Sami was our MOTM!!!

[Paddy 66]

Thought it was a sign Agger is going to be picked ahead of hyppia.

[Cam]

He's still got a lot to offer but Carra and Agger have to be first pick now. Maybe in Europe, with the slower game, Sami can still be first choice.

 

His rests with Pellegrino covering for him from Jan '05 inspired him and (imho) helped us to CL glory. But the fact is he needed regular rests almost 2 years ago.

[lawrie]

We'd already lost the game, so probably a tactic by Rafa to

test the lad against some more quality opposition (I think he should have given him longer too be honest)

[bsl]

to the thread starter, yes possibly, unless there was an injury.

 

I had hoped for Agger all week because if any game was to highlight Sami's lack of pace it would be today.

 

Sami for the first goal was in no man's land - i know Zenden was fingered as the culprit for letting Fabregas go, but Sami was originally in that general area and stepped forward leaving a huge chasm. Other times he was lost between the fullback position and his own.

 

He's been a fantastic servant and could still play 20 games from now til May, but it's time for new blood and unlike in the past we actually have the player to do the job in his place.

Edited November 12, 2006 by bsl

[CarraLegend]

Agger has to be first choice now and someone can partner him, who it is out of the two doesnt really matter at the moment although Carra probably edges it as it has more potential for a long term partnership.

[Guest Kev]

We'd already lost the game, so probably a tactic by Rafa to

test the lad against some more quality opposition (I think he should have given him longer too be honest)

 

I think Agger has nothing to prove about that given his performances for Denmark.

[lawrie]

I think Agger has nothing to prove about that given his performances for Denmark.

 

No in my opinion he hasn't, but Rafa always seems to err on the side of caution don't you think?

[Beardsley]

Sami is still great at positioning and breaking in front of the offense, but he should be subbed by Agger from now on. The second goal today was just tragic. Everybody new Arsenal would play through balls behind our defense. Still, Carra and Sami let it happen, and not only once.

It's like it was the "only" tactic from Arsenal today, and you just knew they would succeed at one time or another. I'm livid they made it work.

[Cam]

Agger or Hyypia.

Agger or Carragher.

Carragher or Hyypia.

Hyypia crap.

Carragher crap.

Gerrard crap on the right.

Gerrard crap in the centre.

 

Gerrard and Agger in central defence?

[Guest anfieldanfield]

Carragher's been worse than Sami so far this season.

[Cooldude]

Agger should've played this game, was surprised that he got left out

 

Have to start every league game from now on

[hideNseek]

Agger should start. We also need someone to push Carra as he's been shyte all season.

[Stevie H]

sad to see, but sami looked like a relic out there yesterday up against their pace and movement.

[Rimbeux]

I think Agger still has to prove that he is ready yet to be part of our regular back four. Before you write Hyypia off, you should consider how our back four has looked this season when Hyypia has not been in it. We have been distinctly vulnerable in the air.

 

 

 

We've conceded less per game with Agger in the side, and used the ball better

[Koogan]

We've conceded less per game with Agger in the side, and used the ball better

 

One should also take into account the quality of the opposition and other factors such as the number of games home/away before making any hasty conclusions. I'm not taking sides here but that is a very fragile statement as such.

[Rimbeux]

One should also take into account the quality of the opposition and other factors such as the number of games home/away before making any hasty conclusions. I'm not taking sides here but that is a very fragile statement as such.

 

It's something I reflected on a few games ago, since when Sami has played in a winning side for a few real games, however he's also played in some drubbings. I know there is a deal of collective responsibility, but if the trade off is about defensive strength and solidity versus footballing ability, I'm not sure there's solid proof we are any weaker defensively with Agger there.