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Reply With QuoteSpot on and a perspective from people who were actually there is far more enlightening than highlights or watching a stream or a replay.Originally Posted by slimboydim
Anybody who seriously thought we were going up there on Sunday for a win was delusional. Redknapp didn't want Europe next season and that was it.
It took us near enough half an hour to get in on goal, and while Liverpool dominated possession they didn't exactly carve out chance after chance either. They were still miles the better team on the day. I reckon we played at probably 50%, Liverpool not much higher, 60% maybe.
As for individual performances, BAE had a poor game, primarily because he gifted them the ball for the opener. Saying we ought to sell him is daft. He's had a great season. I was far from his biggest fan when he came to the club in the first place, but I reckon he's a very decent player.
Corluka had a complete off-day. Modric was pivotal to pretty much everything we did, but was switched from the wing to centre mid to the wing again with the subsitutions that were made. Jenas had an OK game until he went off. Made one great tackle when Gerrard was through on goal.
Bale didn't do too much, but also didn't do too much wrong. Zokora was poor on the whole. Put it down to him not having played much recently.
Defoe looked bright, but never got the ball enough in positions to make a difference. Looked really hacked off to be taken off.
Keane was rubbish. One of his worst games ever, despite the goal - which was very well taken, by the way. Maybe he has a clause in his contract saying he can't be subbed?!
3-1..... not too far off I reckon. Maybe 2-1 was a fairer reflection, but I expected us to lose because Harry didn't want any risk of European football!
Talking of which, a lack of European football hurts. I love European trips. Sadly though the Europa League is a joke. The number of games that you have to play to win it is daft. Straight knockout would be far more sensible, but then how do you accommodate the Champions League dropouts? Ah, in therein lies the problem - UEFA have to give the Champions League dropouts a second chance.
Its a shame because European football is a fantastic and different proposition. Only if we challenge for 4th/5th/6th consistently next season will it be worthwhile though. If we end up with a mediocre 9th/10th/11th place finish what will the point have been?
As for challenging for 4th, the reality is we are miles off. I don't expect it next season at any rate. Perhaps I'll be surprised?
