Yesterday... 4370

problem.

This idea that teams sit back or decided to change their tactics to defend a lead can be a sort of consolation..."we only lost because we got the tactics wrong"....but it is not always accurate. Often they have no option because of the pressure from the other side. Looked a lot like that yesterday. Chelsea have a good, fast, mobile midfield, thats certain, but I was surprised how easily they outbattled Liverpool and even more surprised that they seemed far fitter in extra time, considering the past weeks schedule of the two sides. This should be a concern as it is so untypical of the last two meetings between these teams and is hardly the form needed for any progress in Europe. Right now I cannot see a great deal of difference between this side and the one playing under the last manager. There is certainly little change in their confidence or consistency. But even though they were outplayed for most of the game Liverpool could have won. It is probably a good thing they didn't. Favourable final scores, when undeserved, can hide a lot of basic faults which get forgotten in the congratulations. The fact is that Pool have a sprinking of decent players who need 3 or 4 great ones to make them a good side again. Sell the kid for more than he is worth, add a few million and get into the market after dumping the dead wood ( god knows what has happened to Kewell the brilliant match winner?) and get ready for next season. I cannot see this side getting much out of this one.

As far as the Chelsea managers finger to lips gesture, it seemed to me that most of the reds supporters on the receiving end were laughing, just like I would. He is an interesting addition and obviously a bit eccentric, but all this nonsense of " being sorry for the kids who watched it" and similar posts are utter crap. When did football fans become such sensitive little flowers? I find this view particularly hypercritical because I stopped taking my son to matches because of the way so many fans become obscene ,ignorant, fascist, yobs once they go out to support a team.

LC