Liverpool FC 2013-14: Pride Restored
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They seem to change their style as soon as they have a two goal lead. It has to be some kind of anxiety.
I may not survive the next 3 weeks.
Nerve-wracking as hell, but in a week where others faltered, Liverpool held on and get the 3 points.
Nerve-wracking as hell, but in a week where others faltered, Liverpool held on and get the 3 points.
And...breathe (v3)
When did Norwich morph into fuckin' West Ham? The only problem we had was the long-ball into the box.
Sterling is playing beyond his tender years, Johnson had a nightmare, not sure it was the right time to take Coutinho off but what the hell do I know?
7 points needed.
#MakeUsDream
When did Norwich morph into fuckin' West Ham? The only problem we had was the long-ball into the box.
Sterling is playing beyond his tender years, Johnson had a nightmare, not sure it was the right time to take Coutinho off but what the hell do I know?
7 points needed.
#MakeUsDream
The Chelsea match comes sandwiched between the CL semifinal legs for the Blues. After this werkend's results, if Jose wants to win something this season, he might focus on the Madrid matches.
I'm not suggesting that Chelsea won't put out a formidable side (financial doping cough cough), simply that this weekend might have changed the calculus for The Special One.
I'm not suggesting that Chelsea won't put out a formidable side (financial doping cough cough), simply that this weekend might have changed the calculus for The Special One.
My nerves are destroyed for the day, and it's only 6:20 AM.
We joked about Borini scoring his biggest goal for Liverpool yesterday, and Assaidi also scored a winner for Stoke against Chelsea earlier this season. Sometimes the best moves are the ones you don't make, though. Remember back in November/December, when it was all but decided that Sterling would be going out on loan in January? What a player he is becoming, and he won't even be 20 until December.
We joked about Borini scoring his biggest goal for Liverpool yesterday, and Assaidi also scored a winner for Stoke against Chelsea earlier this season. Sometimes the best moves are the ones you don't make, though. Remember back in November/December, when it was all but decided that Sterling would be going out on loan in January? What a player he is becoming, and he won't even be 20 until December.
The only game I've seen Sterling play was against United when he played through the middle.
What is his normal position?
I think he should start for England in Brazil...Roy has some tough decisions coming up.
What is his normal position?
I think he should start for England in Brazil...Roy has some tough decisions coming up.
Personally, I'll be disappointed if they win the championship, but not nearly as disappointed if they hadn't qualified for Champions League. I know I sound like a Pollyanna, but that's how I really feel.
Just got done watching the match. That second half was pretty awful as a whole. Wasn't exactly sure if we were playing Norwich or Stoke. Snodgrass should have been sent off long before the goal he scored. Sterling again MOTM. Henderson's absence was noticeable to me.
Seems like they had a harder time transitioning the ball from defense to the front, aside from a few breakaways.SoxFanInPdx said:
SoxFanInPdx said:
This was the biggest takeaway for me, Lucas was deployed too far forward (much like Sahin was during his loan spell) and simply was not a big enough factor in retaining possession.
Hopefully they can play Chelsea to a draw with Sturridge back in the side in place of Lucas - I thought Allen was fine and I really like Sterling at the top of the diamond against Terry/Cahill.
You know, from the games I've seen this year I really admire the way Liverpool play. They have one speed and come at you as many times as they can. I think what Rodgers has done with players like Henderson is admirable, and he's turned Gerrard into a respectable holding midfielder...something I didn't think he had the restraint to ever do. They deserve the title and when it happens I'll offer a heartfelt congrats...
...but man...seeing the vine of Suarez's latest simulation is tough to stomach.
...but man...seeing the vine of Suarez's latest simulation is tough to stomach.
Zomp said:
Nice reverse-jinx attempt.
I assume you're talking about the play where Suarez went down, then jumped up when it looked like there was a chance to counter? Yeah, the commentators were starting to talk about the simulation, until they saw the replay of Fer's studs go over the ball and rake down Suarez's shin. He jumped up because he thought there was a goal scoring opportunity, but afterwards limped around for the next 10 minutes. Yeah, it's Suarez, so he will never get the benefit of the doubt (and doesn't really deserve to), but that challenge legitimately should have resulted in a yellow for Fer.
Oh, and for those that missed it, the Hillsborough 30 for 30 replay is starting right now on ESPN2.
SoxFanInCali said:
If i wanted to reverse jinx I would have already offered congrats. I thought about it, believe me, but you guys deserve it.
I am talking about that play. Going down from a challenge doesn't really bother me (even if it is a dive, which in this case it may not have been, I've only seen it on my computer) hell, my players do it too (Young, Januzaj, Rooney). What gets me is the rolling around holding your ankle trying to coax the referee into giving a card. I realize its prevalent in the south american game (and in my sunday league, believe it or not, when we play South American teams) and its viewed as doing anything to help the team win...but I just can't get into it.
In fact, one of the reasons I think English players are so bad at diving is exactly because they don't do that. If they dive, they immediately pop up and throw their hands up yelling at the ref.
I would sell children, that aren't even mine, into white slavery for Raheem Sterling on Arsenal .
They'll be relieved to know that this will never ever happen. Sterling wants to stay in a place where he can hug his manager. Maybe if you replace Wenger with Barney?Luis Taint said:
I'm beginning to wonder if the media and fans of other clubs have taken a close look at the table. Everyone seems to be handing the title to Liverpool, despite the fact that Man City would win it if they win out and Liverpool lose 1 game.
They had been saying that since before the City match.lars10 said:
Once Chelsea lost Saturday and Liverpool beat Norwich I've seen all kinds of reports basically handing the title to Liverpool, saying the race is essentially over. All that changed is that Liverpool can draw one match now, rather than having to win all 3, but any loss would shift control back to City.
Yeah. Because of the Chelsea/Liverpool game, people were thinking of it as a winner take all. Combined with the fact that City had games in hand, people didn't realize that the Sunderland/Chelsea game really didn't change much at all. Liverpool need the same result out of the Chelsea game they needed before Chelsea lost to Sunderland. The only thing that changed is that Chelsea are playing for City now instead of themselves. I think this is starting to dawn on people now, but you're right -- there was a strange kind of sense on tv that it was all over but the corronation.SoxFanInCali said:
I saw a win probability chart yesterday (sorry, I didn't think I'd bring it up here, so no link) that put LFC's chances of winning the title at 79% if City won, 90% if they drew, and 95% if City lost. That seems about right to me now that City have won. I like our chances a lot, but it's still just a pretty good free throw shooter's chance of converting a three-point play.
DLew On Roids said:
80% seems about right. People get a little carried away because you guys have won a bazillion straight and have just blitzed everybody off the pitch at Anfield, so it seems inevitable. But football is a funny game, as we all know.
Palace away is going to be a tough match. I've watched a lot of Palace games this latter part of the season. They are really solid, they move the ball well, they all give 100% and play with confidence. Their fans are possibly the loudest in the Prem. When they beat Everton at Goodison the other day, they sensed Everton's nervousness and just took advantage. Bossed them around the park, won most of the duels. If Liverpool are not at their best Palace can easily get something from the game.
Agree 100%, Fletch. But with City having to go there as well, it's at least a wash right now. I'll be a lot more nervous if City edge out a close win.
It looks like Chelsea may gift wrap the league title to Liverpool this weekend by playing a second string.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/23/jose-mourinho-chelsea-liverpool-abramovich
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/23/jose-mourinho-chelsea-liverpool-abramovich
Smoke/showmanship aside, I imagine this is Mourinho's likely lineup:
Schwarzer, Azpilicueta, Cole, Ivanović, Cahill, Matić, Ramires, Salah, Oscar, Schürrle, Ba
Schwarzer, Azpilicueta, Cole, Ivanović, Cahill, Matić, Ramires, Salah, Oscar, Schürrle, Ba
The Petulant One might go for the oft talked about but never seen (way from the training ground) 8-1-1 formation. Notoriously hard to break down.
Jose will keep talking until the game, but Lampard and Mikel will obviously play, as they are suspended for the second leg against Atletico.
Not only Lampard and Mikel, Matic and Salah are cup-tied. They are already guaranteed CL football next season, they are only two games away from the Holy Grail this season. If Morinho sees his best chance at getting silverware being the CL then I think it is quite likely he will rest players. Obviously, they have a deep enough squad to put out a competive team and they are not exactly a bunch of unknowns. I see that as a more likley reason than a big FU to the football league. I watched the game today with a bunch of ex pats, there were a few Chelsea fans and almost all of them feel they have a better chance of winning the CL than the league and wanted Jose to rest his most of his likely starting 11 for the 2nd leg.
If Chelsea win they're 2 back with 2 to play and Liverpool going to a white-hot Palace next week. They can legitimately win the league at that point, especially if Palace take points off City.
I could see Chelsea parking the bus for 30 minutes to fend off the Liverpool blitzkrieg, but after that they'll come out or at least look to counter. Jose is paranoid and petulant, but he's also smart.
I could see Chelsea parking the bus for 30 minutes to fend off the Liverpool blitzkrieg, but after that they'll come out or at least look to counter. Jose is paranoid and petulant, but he's also smart.
Even if Chelsea win, they are effectively 3 back, given they are -11 on goal difference to Liverpool and way behind on goals for. So, Chelsea's road to the championship requires it to get all 9 points, Liverpool to only get 3, and City to get 9 or fewer. Basically, Chelsea probably need Palace to take all 6 points against Liverpool and City. Certainly possible in this crazy year, but not very likely.DLew On Roids said:
If Liverpool do end up winning the title, he will be remembered as this season's Djimi Traore.
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