Two ways of looking at the Newcastle defeat.

[Guest fantasista10]

Just got back from watchin it live in the boozer and for me there are two ways of looking at this poor result - and make no mistake, it was a poor result.

 

Firstly, we can say that we were the better team throughout the game. We had a great start and should have scored more soon after (hit woodwork etc). Newcastle were poor and only scored from a GK error (Reina at fault in my eyes - no doubt!), and from a penalty which they hardley deserved (think the pen decision could have gone either way). Other than them chances, the barcodes never looked like scoring. So, we were unlucky (?)

 

Secondly, yes we were the better team however we deteriorated rapidly - especially in the second half. The longball game we played was a joke. It woked once or twice with Bellamy's pace but we needed to vary it up. Kuyt didn't look himself and missed a sitter.

The midfield was poor - 2 unfit players (Zenden should never be considered anyway!), Gerrard was never really in the game and was virtually anonymous in the 2nd half. They should have been supporting the frontline more though the gameplan (long hoofs from the back) probably didn't help them.

Riise was below Championship standard today and dunno if he can ever reach his early LFC career form again.

Then there was the substitutions - have we gone back to Rafa's first season were I just couldn't fathom how he comes up with his ideas?! Bringin on Gutherie (at left mid when he is a CM), Arbeloa for Pennant (who did look dangerous altough inconsistant), and then Crouch on for Finnan when Steve was probably our best player and leaving it till 8mins left when chasing the game to bring Crouchy on?!

 

Think I am swaying towards my second point. Though isn't this the first time in a long while since we lost when first taking the lead?

[karlh]

If The Manager of the Month Award was etched in Blood on a parchment scroll..and delivered via the crooked yellow beak of a huge squawking Raven...it couldnt be more foreboding......next time Rafa, just say thanks but no thanks

[Magic8Ball]

firstly : we lost

 

secondly : Newcastle won

 

 

 

 

 

We just dont have " the right stuff " in our "creative players " or "Forwards"

[Mike]

well we're down on creative players due to injury and suspension.

firstly alonso.

then without garcia and kewell thats a huge chunk of creativity taken away from our final 3rd.

 

the everton game for instance...we'd have won that if garcia was playing, i have absolutely no doubt.

[Guest anfieldanfield]

If you miss big chances, you will lose football matches.

 

Bellamy was our best player, but he should have had at least a hatrick.

 

Kuyt was s****, and he missed a wonderful chance..

[Joxer]

Kuyt works his socks off, appreciates the fans, and comes up with a rew crackers , but I dont think he is in the Rush/Fowler?aldo mould of consistent finesher that we badly need.

[alias75]

The first half performance was very good, we should have been leading by at least 2 goals, i think todays game illustrated perfectly where we need to improve the team. We need a much more clinical finisher that will take 2 out of 3 good chances, and once again the lack of top quality attacking midfielders was clear.

 

We had 2 players in midfield both of who havent played for a while, ideally you wouldnt have to play Zenden especially, obviously next season he wont be here but im not sure why he was started today (was Gonzalez injured?)

 

We need better quality in the attacking positions, we need players that wont miss 4 chances to get 1 goal, and we need better quality in the wide positions. Im sure these areas will be addressed.

 

As it stands the team isnt far off, yes its a bad result today but lets not quickly forget the great run of results we've had in the last few months. 2 or 3 real top quality players plus maybe a new left back and imagine the difference.

 

Summer is going to be very important, we need to secure Rafas #1 targets. But no time for mass panic on the back of 1 poor result which in truth could easily have been a very good away win.

[Rimbeux]

If you miss big chances, you will lose football matches.

 

Bellamy was our best player, but he should have had at least a hatrick.

 

Kuyt was s****, and he missed a wonderful chance..

 

It really is that simple, nothing else needs to be said about yesterday