Deco
Player Valuation: £40m
Are the most important of our season.
After another draw, in which the second half was a complete contrast to a quite brilliant first half, we've missed a vital chance to get into 4th place in time for the Anfield derby.
At the start of the season, or even last week, we would have probably said a point wouldn't be the end of the world all things considered (new manager, with an under-performing squad that were due a decent performance). But in reality we went in at half time being in control with a nice 1-0 lead, and looked a different side for the remaining 45 minutes.
I don't recall us stringing more than 4 consecutive passes together in the second half. Being completely fair, their manager made some masterclass changes such as bringing on Anichebe to put pressure on our back line, and Mulumbu who was the finishing touch to a midfield who stopped us from playing our game. I absolutely love Martinez, but he definitely should have made subs around 60 minutes - one of which being Osman who offered zero throughout. I think that his starting tactics were bang on, and the test of Oviedo on the right was a quality move - but the lack of change to our tactics to match their changes was a let down.
If anything we should be delighted to come out of that second half with a point, despite how disappointing it is that we threw away the great chance we had to leap above our direct rivals.
Putting the match behind us now, I think that what happens over the next 11 days will define our season.
The importance of bringing in a striker (Traore?) and a CM (personally think Onazi would be a good fit for us) this window is essential, as well as securing both Baines and Barkley on new deals.
This has to be matched by a beating of Stevenage, and a performance to be proud of at Anfield. Whether this is a 5-0 victory or a 1-1 where we put in a great shift and played the football we know that we can play, it doesn't matter. Finishing that match with at least a draw is the minimum needed for any chance to get into the top 4 this season. We might still be below them afterwards, but it's irrelevant as we would only be a point behind and still be one result from a CL place.
I have no idea if Barkley will be fit for next Tuesday. But Barkley lad, if you're reading this, we need you.
Pointing out the obvious pretty much, but after that match I think a re-cap of where we are and what is required of us is badly needed.
COYB
After another draw, in which the second half was a complete contrast to a quite brilliant first half, we've missed a vital chance to get into 4th place in time for the Anfield derby.
At the start of the season, or even last week, we would have probably said a point wouldn't be the end of the world all things considered (new manager, with an under-performing squad that were due a decent performance). But in reality we went in at half time being in control with a nice 1-0 lead, and looked a different side for the remaining 45 minutes.
I don't recall us stringing more than 4 consecutive passes together in the second half. Being completely fair, their manager made some masterclass changes such as bringing on Anichebe to put pressure on our back line, and Mulumbu who was the finishing touch to a midfield who stopped us from playing our game. I absolutely love Martinez, but he definitely should have made subs around 60 minutes - one of which being Osman who offered zero throughout. I think that his starting tactics were bang on, and the test of Oviedo on the right was a quality move - but the lack of change to our tactics to match their changes was a let down.
If anything we should be delighted to come out of that second half with a point, despite how disappointing it is that we threw away the great chance we had to leap above our direct rivals.
Putting the match behind us now, I think that what happens over the next 11 days will define our season.
The importance of bringing in a striker (Traore?) and a CM (personally think Onazi would be a good fit for us) this window is essential, as well as securing both Baines and Barkley on new deals.
This has to be matched by a beating of Stevenage, and a performance to be proud of at Anfield. Whether this is a 5-0 victory or a 1-1 where we put in a great shift and played the football we know that we can play, it doesn't matter. Finishing that match with at least a draw is the minimum needed for any chance to get into the top 4 this season. We might still be below them afterwards, but it's irrelevant as we would only be a point behind and still be one result from a CL place.
I have no idea if Barkley will be fit for next Tuesday. But Barkley lad, if you're reading this, we need you.
Pointing out the obvious pretty much, but after that match I think a re-cap of where we are and what is required of us is badly needed.
COYB
