Alonso, our most important player.

[Guest Kaizer]

Not many agreed with me when I said Alonso was our best player last season, but our last performances without him show me that I have a pretty strong case.

 

Once again we had an abysmal game with Alonso out of our team, this injury might decide the outcome of our season, thats how important he is.

Edited September 29, 2007 by Kaizer

[Guest Ant]

Alonso when he has played has shown literally f*** all along with Gerrard and Mascherano this season

 

We are going to miss him but he really isn't that crucial to our plans him being injured will not affect us badly

Edited September 29, 2007 by Ant

[Dan]

Not many agreed with me when I said Alonso was our best player last season, but our last performances without him show me that I have a pretty strong case.

 

Once again we had an abysmal game with Alonso out of our team, this injury might decide the outcome of our season, thats how important he is.

 

One of our most important players - but not the most important and i singled him out as our player of the season last year.

 

If Gerrard and Torres were on form today we'd have won 4-0 again.

[Guest Lennon]

So sad.

[Benzo-13]

Kuyt, Riise, Pennant and Gerrard are outta form. That's more of an excuse than this plus the injury to Agger means we're now defending slightly deeper.

It's an awful lot to handle as well as integrating new players of which Yossi and Torres are doing a bang up job.

 

I think Birmingham result apart this is a good a start as hoped for.

[Guest Lennon]

Gerrard and Masch have barely played together. I'd give them a run of games before judging them properly. On paper they look made for each other.

 

If anything it's the poor form of Gerrard which is the issue.

Edited September 29, 2007 by Lennon

[Guest Snorky]

I think Birmingham result apart this is a good a start as hoped for.

 

When you step back and look at the bigger picture, it's not that far off.

[Raj]

Alonso dictates the tempo of the game and his range of passing is second to none.

He is a big miss, but we have players who have different attributes, that can step in and succeed.

[Guest Ant]

This is why we won't Miss Alonso

 

[Guest Lennon]

This is why we won't Miss Alonso

 

 

I'd certainly be in favour of MO getting some games ahead of Gerrard.

[Sion]

We are really missing Alonso

[Benzo-13]

When you step back and look at the bigger picture, it's not that far off.

 

It really is. Dodgy refereeing v Chelsea cost us valuable points but we can't change that.

My worry is hoping Arsenal don't do a 2001/02 on us this season.

[hideNseek]

I'd certainly be in favour of MO getting some games ahead of Gerrard.

Why?

[Guest Sabre]

Kuyt, Riise, Pennant and Gerrard are outta form. That's more of an excuse than this plus the injury to Agger means we're now defending slightly deeper.

It's an awful lot to handle as well as integrating new players of which Yossi and Torres are doing a bang up job.

 

I think Birmingham result apart this is a good a start as hoped for.

 

Any idea why they might be playing poorly though? Tempo, accurate passing putting us on the front foot.

 

Xabi does this and more and it's clear we miss him

[Guest Lennon]

Masch is more than capable of all that, and more. He had another sound game today. He and Gerrard are our most dynamic pairing, they just need more games together and for Gerrard to find some form.

 

Alonso being out is the least of our worries

Edited September 29, 2007 by Lennon

[Guest Sabre]

Masch is more than capable of all that, and more. He had another sound game today. He and Gerrard are our most dynamic pairing, they just need more games together and for Gerrard to find some form.

 

Alonso being out is the least of our worries

 

I've never seen Masch set the tempo. I've seen him win the ball back brilliantly and play a decent enough pass but you can't compare his range and ability in that department to Alonso's

[Guest Lennon]

Alright, we're f***ed.

[Guest Sabre]

Alright, we're f***ed.

 

Not saying we're fecked. Just saying that Alonso is more important than a lot of people give him credit for. It's easy to criticise him because we've seen him play a game and only misplace one pass. You only appreciate things when they're gone and in some cases, not to appreciate it at all.

[Guest Lennon]

Mascherano is a master at setting the tempo of a game. What might seem like just winning the ball back and playing a simple pass is what gives us control in that area of the pitch. Today for example he was everywhere, breaking up play and keeping things ticking over. And while he might not have Alonso's range of passing, he's certainly capable of his playing his own incisive passing game.

 

We might be missing Alonso but I believe Gerrard and Masch given a run of games together will give us a lot more attacking impetus.

Edited September 29, 2007 by Lennon

[Guest Sabre]

How is that setting the tempo?

 

Control is one thing. Setting the tempo by movement, passing with intent and creativity with a football are things that Alonso has in abundance whereas Masch is a straightforward destroyer.

[Guest Lennon]

Masch is a straightforward destroyer.

 

No offence, but you haven't got a clue. I'm off to bed.

[Guest Sabre]

I look forward to watching Masch set the tempo next week

[Guest Lennon]

As I said, clueless.

[Guest Sabre]

As I said, clueless.

 

Yes, Masch sets the tempo. Quick ball, Masch. Slow ball, Masch. That's his business. Aye.

[Guest Lennon]

Post another smiley, that will prove you're not dense and clueless about the game.