No heart from the players. Tactics all wrong. Southampton and Koeman really showed us how it's supposed to be done. We should sack the manager, bench the goalkeeper, strip the captaincy from Henderson, put Can in midfield over Allen, Toure should have played over that train-wreck Lovren, blah blah blah blah. Two clubs going in totally opposite directions, right?
They were starting to get better 19 matches ago! Where the hell were you? Let us know when you want a hand to pull you up on the banwagon, son. It's starting to get going pretty fast.
At one stage we had managed 2 shots at goal and had scored 2 goals. If ever any definition of efficiency was apt that's it. Sturridge had only to ruin that by that weak effort. We have also defied the fate of all teams which score first this weekend by getting all 3 points. If fact we also kept a clean sheet, too. Now, that is a good job at the office, that, and in pretty horrible playing conditions too. Thought we invited Southampton unnecessary pressure but Southampton had little sting. An impressive defensive display from all, even from Lovren whose selection had me in sphincter- puckering mode. I was listening to the talk radio, LBC; in one of the half-hourly bulletins at the top of the hour just before kick-off, the South-of-England-centric announcer said Tottenham had moved to within 3 points of 4th spot and Southampton had a chance of regaining 3rd spot with a victory over visiting Liverpool. Tee hee hee ... Onwards and forwards
A good win, another step up the League...one game at a time... Second half Europa next at Besiktas...
On the calls. The first was a dive. The second could have been given but really Allen missed everything and the guy ran into him. Sterling's was a toss up but he was consistent. The Mingy play was bang bang and really could have gone either way. In any case, it would have been an indirect kick not a pen. We would have been down to ten. Friend was reluctant and his AR didn't flag either. Perhaps hard luck to them but ... It's happened to us before too.
Comes around goes around. Not like it doesn't happen to us every week. It was more of a comm media incident for them with high def TV with 6 angles to choose from. And they still disagreed with each other. Graeme and Arlo are normally OK unless we're playing a London or Soufern team. They did go on about it but it wasn't going to change the refs mind though.
Well said. However, Southampton supporters have a right to be upset. The referee was afraid to give anything and they got the worse end of it. Thought both teams should have had one penalty (the Allen and Sterling incidents) and Mingolet was perhaps lucky, although I think a red card is still harsh in that situation. While he intentionally handled the ball, he unintentionally handled outside of the area. Yellow card, and free kick just outside the box is what I would have given. Excellent job by the players in a very difficult game. Away from home, in horrible weather, against a very good team, on only 2 days rest. The defense held up very well (even Lovren). Skrtel was man of the match and Can was steady as ever. Mingolet was excellent again. While everyone was yelling at the ref for a penalty against Allen, Mingolet was making an outstanding save with his foot to deny the rebound. And if you ignore the controversy about him being outside of the area, he made an excellent save to deny a one on one after Lovren fell asleep. Coutinho's goal was world class and won us the game. Thrilled to escape with the 3 points. We are in as good position as anyone for top 4, and playing better football than all of them.
Koeman really has been classy about this one so far. Not pulling a Mourinho. I would love nothing more than to see us get into the top 3 and see Soton finish 4th...
I have a feeling that we'll take 3rd and l'arse will slide into 4th. If we finish top 4 and win the EL, does EL runner up or 5th in the league get the extra place?
Honestly I don't know, but I can't imagine either of those scenarios being the case. I think the new EL winner slot works exactly like the current CL winner slot does. I do agree with your prediction though.
Great 3 points this was a match where all that mattered was the result. And we got it. Tough match and rode our luck a little but we finished they didn't and that's usually the difference between good sides. 3 points off 3rd and the in form side. City is no longer a must win (but lets win it anyways). As for the reffing decisions the first "Penalty Shout" was a dive but still Can was a little fortunate. Really no different than the penalty Kane "earned" earlier in the day. Allen's was a penalty for me, so lucky there. The ball hit Mings chest first and then his arm, for me no red card but we were a little lucky since the ref could have seen it differently and the argument wouldn't have been any different. Basically we got the breaks this match, no apology, we can all list 10 plus that went the other way this season. Problem is every win makes the next match even bigger, bring it on. That would be my assumption, same as the Premier League champ already qualifying. So no extra spots for the league.
I know the runner up in Europa will not get the UCL spot. Only the winner. If the winner finishes outside top four then EPL will get 5 UCL spots. Prob would come in at the Third UCL qual round but not sure. Let's do both. Go Reds!!!!
Had this one playing out on the NBC Sports app on my phone while I drove from Ohio to VA (was only listening, not watching*). Technology is amazing. Gutsy performance with a bit of luck thrown in. We're cruising and let's hope it continues. Any match we win on the back of a Thursday game is a bonus. Doing so against top four competition is an additional mega bonus. *watched a replay of the second goal. But only once.
Tough game. Amazing goal by Coutinho At the end of the game I was singing: We are Luck-y Tra la la la la la.......
Tough game. Ref did us a solid with not giving a pk (not the one in the first moments of the game). The Mignolet infraction was tough as no refs had an angle to make the call. Fantastic job to take the win in these conditions. Very organized. Clean sheet with Lovren in the lineup. This game reminded me of must win matches we had in the past years but flipped on its head. It sucks when you have most of the possession and drive forward but the opponent stubbornly defends and gives you the surprising one-two. Within striking distance of champs league...unbelievable season.