Lush Vlad

Erm. I think it’s a bit more than that. His passing, crossing ability, set pieces. All world class. His assists and chances created are always at an elite level, I think? His defending has always been iffy and he definitely switches off in games. But that was next level. It was like he’d never played right back before and/or didn’t want to play there. They certainly targeted him and flooded that side. Giving him a decision to make. More often than not, he didn’t make one

I’d love to see what rating out of ten L’Equipe would give Trent. Probably -2.

Gakpo has been one of their most important players this season. I’m sure he always pops up with big goals and has versatility to play in different positions and systems.

Trent’s head is already in Madrid. Shocking stuff from him.

Can both statements not have some truth to them? We blew you away in that 30 minute spell. But you were horrendous and didn’t look like you had a clue who was even supposed to be playing where. I only saw the last 15 minutes or so and you were by far the better side there. TAA not being arsed with defending and Liverpool constantly failing to clear their lines and retain possession have helped you massively. Had the radio on the first 20 odd and sounded like Liverpool should have been ahead early and you’ve taken over since.

Trent is so suspect defensively. I only caught the last 15 of that half. But he was at fault 3 times that led to chances.

Thought it could have come yesterday earlier. Joelinton in particular looked knackered and was making stupid mistakes. Plus it felt like a game for Willock and Barnes with the space they were leaving. Tuesday is just the sort of game you need Joelinton. I don’t think there will be many changes other than perhaps Kelly in for Botman and whoever plays instead of Bruno.

Nah. He gets too many games and he’s boring as fuck. But he’s proper inoffensive. Far worse out there. He does sound a bit like a monster from an 80s fantasy epic, albeit with a Brummie accent. But I won’t hold that against him.

Once again for posterity. The worst co-comms on the planet. Tough to call when Lee Dixon exists. But hindsight Hinchcliffe and his permanently whiney tone is unbearable.

I may have mis-heard. But I’m sure they said on the radio they haven’t scored at Anfield in their last 5 visits.

We take an age to set up our quite frankly awful long punt set pieces from anywhere in and around the half way line. Which does my head in. As it almost always comes to fuck all. But due to Arsenal’s set pieces. We might need to introduce a play clock like they have in American Football. They were forever fucking about and taking ages to set up their corners and free kicks last night. Been at it all season. They might start getting called for all the fouls they commit at corners and all. Although I doubt it.

Moving Spence really helped Spurs. Dragusin was having a nightmare at centre back and looked miles off it. Whilst Spence was getting caught flat footed against Murphy time and again. So they improved at two positions. Spence’s pace worked well on that side against Isak and we struggled with that out ball and pass over the top that often works so well against Spurs. First half he was great, bar his customary glaring miss. None of our attacking players were up to much in the second half.

He needs to pull his socks up, roll his sleeves up, dust himself down and go again next week.

Spurs fans aint all bad. The few I’ve spoken to still keep saying ‘not sure what the handball law/rule is’. Which is fine, we know the law was applied correctly. So not sure what they’re getting at there. But the few I’ve spoken to have all said Ange lost the plot post-match and has been like that for a while. From a good mate earlier asking me my views on the game:

Maybe not enough and they don’t protest as much as they should. But speak to any Spurs fan about Levy and they’ll say different. They have a few chants against him ATM.

Then weirdly Pope is listed 3 or 4 inches shorter than he is. He’s a shade shorter than Burn.

Can’t believe he is 6ft 6”. Plays like he’s 5ft 10” whenever I’ve seen him. Stuck record. But to get a keeper as good as Pope who can ping it about like Dubravka, or better, even. Will cost a lot of money. I suppose a balance could be had. A keeper who isn’t as good at certain aspects. But is so much more confident on the ball means we concede less chances, have more control of the game, another player to help bypass a press etc etc. Basically, what Dubravka has done since coming back in (along with other changes that have helped). Not really had a decent chance to save since being back. But we’ve barely given up any chances along with some shit finishing by the opposition who’ve missed the target. Fair argument to say Dubravka has been a part of us giving up less chances. Along with game state and opposition played, Tonali at 6 etc.

He’s already recovered fairly quickly for an ACL. I had it in my head the Arsenal game where he came off was January, but it was Feb. Then I was wrong anyway, as his last game was at Man City in March. That’s his 4th game already and he didn’t look like someone who hasn’t played at this level for 9-10 months. I suppose now it’s about all the risk of muscle injuries after his load has increased so much and a short recovery time. Not so much the knee itself. But I’m sure Bunce will be all over that and we won’t have repeats of last season.

Really grew into it. He was shaky early on. It was great movement and cross for their goal. But he’ll be annoyed at biting so hard on that fake run and losing Solanke. He was also trying his best not to use his right and it caused us and him some bother. But considering he had so long out and be was playing on the wrong side. That was a very impressive showing. We have some pretty decent depth at CB when Schar and Krafth are back.

I’d play Willock. But It’ll be Longstaff and it is probably his kind of game, TBH. We won’t see as much of the ball as we have in recent games.

Seems fair. A bit of time wasting and gamesmanship so you want to see legs broken.

Arsenal taking an age with that free kick and did their usual after 20 minutes. Raya stays down for far longer than he needs to so they can all have a drink and a chat. Of course we invented the dark arts and time wasting, though.

Shocking from Verbruggen. It was straight at him and not a particularly hard shot.

Still not really been tested much in the last 6 games or whatever it is. Which is due to how much better we are playing and the midfield actually helping the defence with Tonali coming in at 6. The whole team looks more balanced and in control of games (second half today not so much). Dubravka is a big part of that with how much better he is on the ball than Pope. It does highlight the need to upgrade our starting keeper. But as I’ve said countless times. I don’t think it will be particularly cheap to get a keeper with all of Pope’s qualities and also Dubravka’a ability on the ball.

You’d imagine that Botman wouldn’t play two games so close together after just returning? Kelly in for Schar/Botman and Longstaff in for Bruno would be my guess. Tough game. Need to be on it for more like 90 minutes and not just half hour spells. Just a one goal deficit or even better, nick a draw back to take it to SJP. Then I’d be happy enough with that.