LOLiverpooLOL - Next Season

[NathStPaul]

West Ham have a really good chance of success over the next couple of seasons. Rumoured investment from a Czech billionaire to come, great team ethic, decent manager at the helm. Only way is up.

[Silver Fox]

Disappointing from Liverpool tbf, as mentioned Firminho is a big miss and while I wouldn't say Klopp is sticking with Ox, more having to play someone there, tbf to him Thiago wasn't much better when he came on. If I was a West Ham fan I might be slightly annoyed at the bus parking in the first half, considering how effective they were going for it after the break.

On the big decisions, people used to complain about keepers only having to get touched to get a free kick so hard to complain if things go the other way. A bit disappointed that Alisson didn't change what he was doing at later corners though. As for the Cresswell challenge, it should definitely have been a red, especially with the benefit of VAR, I can see the ref not giving it in real time. It was almost exactly the same as Pogba's challenge on Keita v United. However as little Stewie Atwell seems to be the VAR man these days you can't expect him to get stuff like that right.

[URZZZZ]

Said it before but there’s no justification for keeping Oxlade Chamberlain around the squad. He just isn’t even close to being good enough - yet Klopp seems to keep persisting with him in the hope that he may deliver on the promise he showed (10 years ago)

Didn’t think they were at their greatest today but were perhaps on the end of some poor refereeing decisions (even if Salah did throw himself to the floor for the freekick). Alisson could probably have done better on three goals but need to put it down as one of those days

Oh, and if anyone questioned Firmino’s role in the team, there’s your answer, interchange between the midfield and attack was seriously lacking. I think Jota is an OK squad player but he isn’t the same

On Ox, I don't think he'd be getting minutes but for injuries. Fabinho is only just back, Thiago isn't match fit, and they have Keita, Milner, Jones and Elliott on the sidelines too. You could argue after his EFL Cup showing that Tyler Morton is worth a go ahead of Ox, mind you.

Think Minamino could have been given a go there. Albeit, it was only against Norwich and Preston but both him and Origi have looked strong in the EFL cup games, yet are scarcely used outside of there

[URZZZZ]

Disappointing from Liverpool tbf, as mentioned Firminho is a big miss and while I wouldn't say Klopp is sticking with Ox, more having to play someone there, tbf to him Thiago wasn't much better when he came on. If I was a West Ham fan I might be slightly annoyed at the bus parking in the first half, considering how effective they were going for it after the break.

On the big decisions, people used to complain about keepers only having to get touched to get a free kick so hard to complain if things go the other way. A bit disappointed that Alisson didn't change what he was doing at later corners though. As for the Cresswell challenge, it should definitely have been a red, especially with the benefit of VAR, I can see the ref not giving it in real time. It was almost exactly the same as Pogba's challenge on Keita v United. However as little Stewie Atwell seems to be the VAR man these days you can't expect him to get stuff like that right.

Didn’t take too much notice at the time but Jota’s flailing arm on Ogbonna doesn’t look great on replay either

Think there were a lot of calls yesterday that could have gone either way but both teams were the beneficiary of such decisions, so not sure why Klopp was moaning (well, aside from the fact he’s a sore loser)

[Silver Fox]

Maybe I watched through red tinted glasses but I could barely make out any contact from Jota, let alone any intent

[URZZZZ]

West Ham have a really good chance of success over the next couple of seasons. Rumoured investment from a Czech billionaire to come, great team ethic, decent manager at the helm. Only way is up.

Sustainable transfer policy. Identify players and make sure they fit the ethos and identity of the club, not just buying players for the sake of it. Vlasic hasn’t got going yet but then Benrahma and Fornals took a while to get going under Moyes so there’s still lots of time

The two problems they have is the striker conundrum where Antonio can’t play three games in a week easily (thought he was a bit off yesterday after playing in Genk on Thursday) and with Benrahma off in January, they’re losing a player who’s been on top form recently

To get 12 points from Everton, Spurs, Villa and Liverpool in a row is superb, although the next six doesn’t get much easier

[NathStPaul]

West Ham have a really good chance of success over the next couple of seasons. Rumoured investment from a Czech billionaire to come, great team ethic, decent manager at the helm. Only way is up.

Sustainable transfer policy. Identify players and make sure they fit the ethos and identity of the club, not just buying players for the sake of it. Vlasic hasn’t got going yet but then Benrahma and Fornals took a while to get going under Moyes so there’s still lots of time

The two problems they have is the striker conundrum where Antonio can’t play three games in a week easily (thought he was a bit off yesterday after playing in Genk on Thursday) and with Benrahma off in January, they’re losing a player who’s been on top form recently

To get 12 points from Everton, Spurs, Villa and Liverpool in a row is superb, although the next six doesn’t get much easier

Yep this is an issue that needs to be addressed in January, they definitely need a competant back up striker in a similar mould to Antonio. Wonder if they'll take a look at Ivan Toney? Think he'd do well under Moyes.

[URZZZZ]

West Ham have a really good chance of success over the next couple of seasons. Rumoured investment from a Czech billionaire to come, great team ethic, decent manager at the helm. Only way is up.

Sustainable transfer policy. Identify players and make sure they fit the ethos and identity of the club, not just buying players for the sake of it. Vlasic hasn’t got going yet but then Benrahma and Fornals took a while to get going under Moyes so there’s still lots of time

The two problems they have is the striker conundrum where Antonio can’t play three games in a week easily (thought he was a bit off yesterday after playing in Genk on Thursday) and with Benrahma off in January, they’re losing a player who’s been on top form recently

To get 12 points from Everton, Spurs, Villa and Liverpool in a row is superb, although the next six doesn’t get much easier

Yep this is an issue that needs to be addressed in January, they definitely need a competant back up striker in a similar mould to Antonio. Wonder if they'll take a look at Ivan Toney? Think he'd do well under Moyes.

Not quite the same obviously but perhaps they’d struggle to get someone like Toney in for the same reason Spurs struggled to get an adequate backup striker for Kane as they know they’d end up playing second fiddle

If they could attract someone like Toney, would be an excellent signing but otherwise would perhaps look at a younger alternative who can slip in seamlessly when Antonio gets a bit older (31 already)

[URZZZZ]

Maybe I watched through red tinted glasses but I could barely make out any contact from Jota, let alone any intent

I think he knows what he’s doing

Don’t think it was personally but then it is VAR

[NathStPaul]

Sustainable transfer policy. Identify players and make sure they fit the ethos and identity of the club, not just buying players for the sake of it. Vlasic hasn’t got going yet but then Benrahma and Fornals took a while to get going under Moyes so there’s still lots of time

The two problems they have is the striker conundrum where Antonio can’t play three games in a week easily (thought he was a bit off yesterday after playing in Genk on Thursday) and with Benrahma off in January, they’re losing a player who’s been on top form recently

To get 12 points from Everton, Spurs, Villa and Liverpool in a row is superb, although the next six doesn’t get much easier

Yep this is an issue that needs to be addressed in January, they definitely need a competant back up striker in a similar mould to Antonio. Wonder if they'll take a look at Ivan Toney? Think he'd do well under Moyes.

Not quite the same obviously but perhaps they’d struggle to get someone like Toney in for the same reason Spurs struggled to get an adequate backup striker for Kane as they know they’d end up playing second fiddle

If they could attract someone like Toney, would be an excellent signing but otherwise would perhaps look at a younger alternative who can slip in seamlessly when Antonio gets a bit older (31 already)

I think a back up striker at West Ham would get a lot more game time though for the reasons you outlined. I could see someone like Ivan Toney starting a lot of games, especially when they are playing Saturday/Thursday this season. He'd be the first one I'd be looking at if I were them.
There is also a very good young Czech striker called Adam Hlozek. 18 years old, full Czeck international. Not prolific yet by any means but he's considered a top prospect. If the Czech influence continues at West Ham he might well be a target.

[URZZZZ]

Yep this is an issue that needs to be addressed in January, they definitely need a competant back up striker in a similar mould to Antonio. Wonder if they'll take a look at Ivan Toney? Think he'd do well under Moyes.

Not quite the same obviously but perhaps they’d struggle to get someone like Toney in for the same reason Spurs struggled to get an adequate backup striker for Kane as they know they’d end up playing second fiddle

If they could attract someone like Toney, would be an excellent signing but otherwise would perhaps look at a younger alternative who can slip in seamlessly when Antonio gets a bit older (31 already)

I think a back up striker at West Ham would get a lot more game time though for the reasons you outlined. I could see someone like Ivan Toney starting a lot of games, especially when they are playing Saturday/Thursday this season. He'd be the first one I'd be looking at if I were them.
There is also a very good young Czech striker called Adam Hlozek. 18 years old, full Czeck international. Not prolific yet by any means but he's considered a top prospect. If the Czech influence continues at West Ham he might well be a target.

Pretty sure that rumour was banded around in the summer but not sure whether it was genuine interest or someone just putting 2 and 2 together

I actually think Joao would do well there but he isn’t a Moyes type player IMO

[Franchise FC]

Disappointing from Liverpool tbf, as mentioned Firminho is a big miss and while I wouldn't say Klopp is sticking with Ox, more having to play someone there, tbf to him Thiago wasn't much better when he came on. If I was a West Ham fan I might be slightly annoyed at the bus parking in the first half, considering how effective they were going for it after the break.

On the big decisions, people used to complain about keepers only having to get touched to get a free kick so hard to complain if things go the other way. A bit disappointed that Alisson didn't change what he was doing at later corners though. As for the Cresswell challenge, it should definitely have been a red, especially with the benefit of VAR, I can see the ref not giving it in real time. It was almost exactly the same as Pogba's challenge on Keita v United. However as little Stewie Atwell seems to be the VAR man these days you can't expect him to get stuff like that right.

I'm not defending the tackle by Cresswell but it was considerably different to Pogba's.
Cresswell's foot 'bounced' up off the ball into Henderson. Pogba, being the world class player that he is, ensured the ball took no part in the action.
They'll never say so, but I'm convinced that's why the Cresswell tackle was treated leniently by the officials

[6ft Kerplunk]

Oxlade Chamberlain is the type of player that I can see Newcastle trying to sign in January even if its only on loan until the end of the season.

[South Coast Royal]

Disappointing from Liverpool tbf, as mentioned Firminho is a big miss and while I wouldn't say Klopp is sticking with Ox, more having to play someone there, tbf to him Thiago wasn't much better when he came on. If I was a West Ham fan I might be slightly annoyed at the bus parking in the first half, considering how effective they were going for it after the break.

On the big decisions, people used to complain about keepers only having to get touched to get a free kick so hard to complain if things go the other way. A bit disappointed that Alisson didn't change what he was doing at later corners though. As for the Cresswell challenge, it should definitely have been a red, especially with the benefit of VAR, I can see the ref not giving it in real time. It was almost exactly the same as Pogba's challenge on Keita v United. However as little Stewie Atwell seems to be the VAR man these days you can't expect him to get stuff like that right.

Pretty good summary there Foxy IMHO.
In the past you know that I have questioned the ability of The Ox and, in a team that relies a lot on accurate passing and ball retention I don't think he is quite up to it and would, if all fit, now be behind Curtis Jones, Keita, Harvey Elliott and Thiago (who as you say, was a bit off it yesterday).
Also I think Robertson seems not so keen of late to run at the full-back and cross from the bye-line , preferring perhaps too often to turn inside and pass which slows down the attack.

I was very surprised, especially after VAR , that Cresswell didn't get a red and that could well have led to a different result and the last remaining undefeated record staying intact but so be it.

As for West Ham, Moyes is getting the very best out of his players and credit to him but talking of them finishing as a top 4 side might be a bit premature as the system relies so much on Antonio (will he play enough?) and playing on the counter and relying on the defence always holding out will not work every time.
Also sides might wisen up to the set-piece and corner routines.

BTW I have been impressed with what I have seen of young Johnson at right-back.

[Sanguine]

Robertson might be feeling the pressure a bit - was reading that statistically Tsimikas is miles ahead of Robertson this season in almost every category. Klopp isn't really one for sentiment, might see a change there soon.

[South Coast Royal]

Robertson might be feeling the pressure a bit - was reading that statistically Tsimikas is miles ahead of Robertson this season in almost every category. Klopp isn't really one for sentiment, might see a change there soon.

Maybe-Robertson certainly hasn't so far this season shown the dynamism that made him the star left-back in world football a couple of years ago.

[South Coast Royal]

Robertson might be feeling the pressure a bit - was reading that statistically Tsimikas is miles ahead of Robertson this season in almost every category. Klopp isn't really one for sentiment, might see a change there soon.

Maybe-Robertson certainly hasn't so far this season shown the dynamism that made him the star left-back in world football a couple of years ago.

Two weeks later and Robertson is back to his best and running at players again.
I'm sure he checks out HNA for advice.

[BraisingsteakRoyal]

Tore Everton apart at times last night - then coasted for long periods. Everton defenders looked like the proverbial rabbits in the headlights for the first 20 minutes.

Without a Gylfi or a James - they're lacking a killer ball / bit of creativity. Not sure Townsend or Rondon are top drawer forwards (although the former does strike a ball well). Seamus Coleman tried valiantly to contain the front three - but age is catching up with him. Rafa gone before the season is out.

[South Coast Royal]

Tore Everton apart at times last night - then coasted for long periods. Everton defenders looked like the proverbial rabbits in the headlights for the first 20 minutes.

Without a Gylfi or a James - they're lacking a killer ball / bit of creativity. Not sure Townsend or Rondon are top drawer forwards (although the former does strike a ball well). Seamus Coleman tried valiantly to contain the front three - but age is catching up with him. Rafa gone before the season is out.

Just on Everton.
Keane, Holgate and Godfrey have all been in England squads and yet are way off being top class.
Further evidence of players being selected for England without being ready or having done enough to justify selection.

[Sanguine]

Tore Everton apart at times last night - then coasted for long periods. Everton defenders looked like the proverbial rabbits in the headlights for the first 20 minutes.

Without a Gylfi or a James - they're lacking a killer ball / bit of creativity. Not sure Townsend or Rondon are top drawer forwards (although the former does strike a ball well). Seamus Coleman tried valiantly to contain the front three - but age is catching up with him. Rafa gone before the season is out.

Just on Everton.
Keane, Holgate and Godfrey have all been in England squads and yet are way off being top class.
Further evidence of players being selected for England without being ready or having done enough to justify selection.

Holgate has never been selected for the full squad. Godfrey was called up once, for the provisional Euro 2020 squad, at which time Southgate said that the call-up was only for his experience. So I'm not sure your last line is particularly fair, on these players at least.