02 Jul 2020 08:43:28
Bit of honest reflection on yesterdays game.
The fan base were really, really disappointed / angry with that result and performance. I think that's the most negative reaction to a performance under Lampard that I've seen.
First up Kepa. His save percentage is obviously terrible, it's the negative stat that's always used against him, but it's his lack of confidence dealing with high balls that cause problems for the rest of the defence.
You can see the panic in the defence at set pieces, they know that they have to deal with it because the keeper won't come off his line. That would be a problem for a confident / competent defence, but ours is neither of these. Six clean sheets this season, SIX out of 32 games!
Anyone who thinks we should just stick with Alonso for next season, yesterday was an example of why that shouldn't happen. He picks up the odd goal, that clouds what is otherwise slow and ponderous attacking play. He doesn't get back and when he does the opposition wide player finds space to cross far, far too often.
Then there's Rudiger, he is a poor, poor defender, he is poor, poor on the ball. I've said it all before, others have said it all before - he needs to be replaced. I genuinely believe that Christensen, Tomori and Zouma would all improve alongside a competent leader at the back.
Willian and Pulisic were both excellent yesterday, we scored two goals against West Ham - we shouldn't be loosing these games. The we'll score more goals than you routine doesn't work out over a season. It didn't work out for Liverpool before Van Dijk and Alison. Havertz is a good player, potentially great but that can't be the priority for anyone looking back over last night and this past season as a whole.
Going back to Willian, I think the club need to find a solution to his contract - maybe a two year deal. If Ziyech doesn't hit the ground running then we will need him.
02 Jul 2020 10:47:13
Agree with almost everything you say here J - and absolutely re Willian contract extension (and we need a deep squad) - but would still like us to bring in Havertz as I just don't think that kind of quality will be available and affordable to us very often. He looks to be a v special player. Of course the defense hugely in need of sorting out too, can see the argument for it being a priority, and would certainly hope we can also bring in at least an LB now, perhaps a CH or GK too, but it may take another season and more transfer windows to get GK and CH situation sorted properly with real quality we need. It took Klopp about 3 seasons to build the LFC he wanted. Am willing to trust that the club has a similar 3 season plan, with Top 4 spot essential next season if we fail to get it this one.
02 Jul 2020 11:25:38
Agree with almost everything J.
However, I will add that Christensen is a big problem too. His lack of concentration has been an issue for a long time. He would do that next year and the year after. Unfortunately he hasn't developed as we all would have hoped.
In the ideal world I'd sell both Ruidger and Christensen. I'd keep Zouma all day long.
02 Jul 2020 11:40:31
I agree In part with all the above posts.
Last nights performance from so many players was very poor. Pulisic was our outstanding player with Willian showing why we should extend his contract.
I keep thinking Christensen will grow into a top CH but his lapses in concentration are a major concern.
Rudiger is generally all over the place and on occasions lacks the basic needs of a defender.
I like Zouma but for me he hasn’t been the same since his injury.
All three CH’s show zero leadership ability.
The organisation of our defence at set pieces has been rubbish all season and a % of blame has to laid at the coaches door.
02 Jul 2020 11:49:17
I couldn't disagree Tom.
I said in one of my previous posts that our defenders make you 'hope after they give you one meaningful performance. Reality is that they don't have the skill set to be able to do it consistently. Zouma hasn't been great but for me is the best from the pack.
Rudiger is struggling for sure, the others have skill sets that he lack.
Christensen- better passer
Zouma - better in the air
Tomori - more pace.
02 Jul 2020 12:23:08
I still think there's a player in Christensen. More often than not he's been partnered with Rudiger, whose defensive style (I've previously called it selfish) puts a lot of responsibility on his partner. Christensen and Tomori need a CB partner who takes on responsibility, takes the burden off them - then we'll see them develop into the best players they can be. I have to agree with Tom about Zouma, lost something after his knee injury - don't think he'll be at a good enough level for us. Christensen and Tomori might make that level.
02 Jul 2020 12:30:16
The attributes of all three would make a great CH Shak that’s for sure but please give a leader and I know it’s just me but preferably a two footed or a natural left footer.
Watching Rudiger try to clear that ball for a corner with his left foot was painful.
02 Jul 2020 15:22:31
I can't get over that clearance Tom, its replaying in my head over and over again. The only way it will be put right is when we beat Watford.