If there has been one criticism levelled at Andy Carroll more than any other since he burst onto the scene in 2008, it is that his aerial threat is where his ability begins and ends. As one disgruntled Geordie put it on Twitter, “That's his only trick though ....He's just a Geordie John Carew”....
“We’ve got the only Brazilian that can’t play football!”
“It’s clear that he’s not going to make it.”
“Not Liverpool class.”
“We’re not going to win a title with him in the squad!”
“Would he get into our rivals teams? No.”
Are just some of the comments I’ve heard or read. Others can’t be written down…
Suarez and Carroll. Two signings, for the price of one (well, almost).
For weeks, we have waited to see them play together. They have been talked up as the latest little and large combo, many of which we have seen over the years. Due to injury, and ineligability, we have been unable to see this partnership in all it's glory. But against Sunderland, we finally got to see them both, from the start.
In this instalment we're going to discuss tackling, possession duels, interceptions, blocks and fouls conceded or won. As you know this is going to fit right into Javier Mascherano's. You'd not expect this one to be close at all and expect Mascherano to be far and away the better tackler out of the three.
The first instalment of this feature was a success so we are going to make it into a regular feature every time Liverpool win in the Premier League.
The latest game was yesterday's win at the Stadium of Light against, a struggling, Sunderland. Immediately after the game a lot of supporters, myself included, put the win down to a bit of lady luck that went our way after half an hour of the first half. On second thoughts I'd like to change my mind and put it down to a mixture of lady luck, which every team requires, and some very good performances in the Liverpool team.
A superb win for Liverpool FC, which totally hinged on the decision midway through the first half when Liverpool were awarded a penalty. The decision for the penalty was an incorrect one and this changed the whole game. However we are thankful for the decision especially after we've been on the wrong end of decisions in the past (See the unforgettable beach ball goal last year).
"We've got the best midfield in the world!" is what reverberated in Anfield and mainly on the Kop in the heights of Rafael Benitez's reign at Anfield. The song mentioned Xabi Alonso, Momo Sissoko, Gerrard and Mascheranoooooooooo! We loved that song, we loved that midfield quartet. Since then we've undergone a total transformation in midfield, no longer does it have the passing range of Alonso or the terrier like tackling of Mascherano or Sissoko.
Since Alonso's big money departure to join Spanish giants Real Madrid, we have never quite come to terms with his loss. Many actually believe this has caused our decline over the last few seasons.
This sunday, Liverpool go head to head to head with Steve Bruce (the manager) for the 16th time in the Premier League and the 20th time overall. Over the years it has been notoriously difficult for the reds to take all 3 points away from these games, in fact, it has only ever happened...
Liverpool FC Vs SC Braga
Our basic stats at half time are attached below for all to view. We'll add more context later but as we're providing these statistics on the go we cannot add any at the moment!
Basic Stats from Braga (H) in Europa League
Player Stats
