Smal

I'd be interested to see what De Zerbi could do with better players, but to be honest it doesn't feel like his brand of manufacturing counter attacks whilst in possession would really suit top club management. His Brighton team is all about coaxing out an opposition press in order to gain numerical advantages further up the pitch. If you're Liverpool manager you're probably not going to coax a press out of 70% of teams you face whatever you try.

we shouldn’t have to sit tight and hit lesser teams on the counter. We tried to do it against Palace and didn’t have a shot on target until the 87th minute. Get at them. They are shit.

that passing data is more reflective of the role of the number 8s in our system though. They aren't involved in build up deliberately. It's important to bear stuff like that in mind when looking at fbref charts. They aren't going to be high up for the amount of passes taken (and therefore will be low for all pass types too) because our possession either goes through Bruno/Trippier whilst the 8s occupy defenders. Willock 22/23 (not enough data for this season): Joelinton 23/24:

Longstaff does have strengths. Even now in poor form he's the best at making 3rd man runs into the opposition's box. He's also our best midfielder at finding space in the box. His tactical execution is generally very good. At his best he's great at covering space defensively too. He has not been as good at that this season compared to last, but it can be put down to his injury.

Walker is knackered. You could tell the other night he's been playing too much recently.

Drury even gets City player names wrong. Useless.

ah, the Chris Wood we all know has returned.

I like Murillo for our left back role rather than CB. He can cover both.

Bournemouth up into the top 10. Iraola is a serious guy.

eeesh, what on earth was that from Raya

man, this is absolutely pathetic stuff from Spurs. Incredibly feeble.

wonder if we can still catch Spurs. Ange has been found out.

hahaha. Surely Maddison should get a yellow for that awful dive down the other end too?

lol, what on earth was Hojberg doing

A ruthlessly efficient footballer.

3 GCAs yesterday.

Carlos is stood under the ball about to head it clear but is shoved in the back and ends up 2 yards away and unable to challenge for the ball. It’s really as clear a foul as it gets.

ffs

we really could do with Villa winning this, like. Chelsea could feasibly win all of their remaining games after this.

Villa been really bad this half. Given the ball away at every opportunity.

fair play to Gallagher. That’s what he’s good at.

he’s saving the hat trick for when it actually matters

Mudryk is *so* bad

Dubravka-esque goalkeeping

honestly Sean Dyche has just brought Michael Keane on up front. Relegate them ffs.