Holmes_and_Watson

He should come back for treatment, where we'd soon realise that even while only being able to hop, he's still our most clinical finisher. 🙂

The post I was replying to was making the joke about breaking news, well after the event. My comment was that, since we haven't seen him for a while, that belated breaking news is quite useful. I'm not getting the point about one for the future? Did we panic buy him? I had it down as one of those SR being cleverer than the rest of us mortals with a cunning signing.

Well, that was a lesson. Yet, we were by far the best in the opening spell. But we seemed to burn through all our energy in that period. Liverpool came into it more. We'd still get the odd chance, but it was a more even game. Second half, we didn't regain much of that early energy either. Liverpool looked sharper, stronger and much more confident. We offered less and less. I'd have fancied any of their players ( except Gomez) to bury the chances we created in that first half hour. Martin can look to the same issue. Liverpool even set themselves up to allow us to attack in behind. Martin planned to make more use of Sule that way too. But we simply couldn't take a chance. After we'd failed to do that often enough, the game changed. Ahead (from quite the deflection), Liverpool still attacked. But we lacked the composure, structure and personnel to shift our own game to get past them. We've a fair number of youngsters, from top clubs, all getting lots of first team minutes. I'd not expect their decision making to be great. Hopefully, they can look at their counterparts tonight and push on a bit, knowing how much they can improve. We've lost confidence in what made some of our unbeaten run so good. It still seems that Downed is key to it, as JWP was to our opening results. Charles had a mixed game, and is struggling. He doesn't have anyone around him who can support him out there. Rothwell looks suspect in a lot of areas, while Will came on and offered nothing but a guilt edged chance for them to get a second. With our midfield struggling, we had no decent passing angles. Martin's system depends on it. Yes, Liverpool set up to catch us. But we didn't help ourselves much. At least Sule offered a genuine target for a while. Aribo offered another, but wasn't used as much. Adams barely got a touch while Mara vanished. Passes went astray, posession was lost cheaply as we rushed or overhit. Whether direct or when trying to pass, it became disjointed. Like our previous managers, Martin will look to that opening spell and wonder what if. Meanwhile, we still have well known gaps up front and in midfield. We might now be missing KWP who, earlier in the season, was the player most likely to turn a game for us. Joining the other player, Fraser, on the injury list.

Worst throw in ever by adams.

Extra sod. Good stop from Lumley. Aribo caught. We're static and our full back posted missing.

Mara is going tonhurt himself trying to draw attention to his hobble.

We had possession for nearly 2 seconds there. Go us.

Bedders nearly having a Holgate. No options. No shape. No control. No purpose. Annoying that tater saying Martin will be delighted with our performance. We're miles off our own expectations.

Hanging on to our 2-0 deficit.

KWP off, after that slip. Extra wide if we lose him, just after Fraser.

And a highlight tonshow Mara about how to put a ball over a keeper.

Sod. A Smallbone Manning mispass, and we're done.

Another good move from Liverpool. Lessons in sharpness and confident decision making for us.

Edozie couldn't get that cut back. Took it wide, but that was maybe his best option. Charles couldn't get a decent shot away. Subs! Adams and Smallbone on Edozie and Rothwell off

Koumas' and Danns' kids. Now... I'm ... too ...old... to... type...

Police would like to announce that Mara has been found, and he's out of position in the middle.

KWP and AA on for Bree and Sule.

Konate is too good. The ref should have a word. Sule in his pocket.

Corner. Not much on for Edozie. When it did get there, he tries a shot. Header...but over.

Hallo fluffs it as if he had really signed for us and then moved on, picking up our habits. Much changed Liverpool effortlessly getting past our press, putting together a quick passing move and getting a decent chance.

Edozie has been told to be more direct. Bedders just needed a lighter touch with that pass to him.

Oh for... How did we not put that in?!

Couldn't get the ball out, as no options.

COYR!

I did see him bottle a chance, when up against Rangers though. As unforgivable as it is unconnected to his commentary 🙂