1.) 23 Nov 2021
23 Nov 2021 17:09:17
Hi Trish,

Decent analysis on the game and our lack of options.

I actually didn't mind Arteta clashing with Klop but I think the players should have stepped up and show some of that aggression to match giving the response from the Liverpool players and fans. I agree we were far too fragile and it showed given that the first two yellow cards were shown to Liverpool players. They were the ones controlling the game yet were more aggressive in all areas.

I agree the same old change of replacing Lacca and leaving Pea on is not progressive or productive. The like for like changes did not help either, e. g. Lokonga our for AMN, Lacca out for Odegaard. After conceding the first two goals we should have remove Pea and drop in a defensive mid and play Lacca up top who would be better at holding up the ball if he ever got it.

I actually thought we would have used a different formation and change the striker. I believe should have played a striker with pace. Martinelli would have been a better option to play the counter. Clearly we will continue to struggle to score goals with Pea as our main striker and whilst continuing to play 90 mins stifling others chances while not being productive.

I also think this game proves my previous arguments about how good ESR actually is. He will struggle against the big teams and might at best be a mid table midfielder as he is not really a winger.

The game also showed how much our midfield lack experience.

I think I'll leave it there for now.

{Ed001's Note - the players clearly are not fully behind Arteta or they would have stepped up. Instead they went into their shells.}