Just watched tie again, with the company of Mr. Jack Daniels, and can't believe we let this one slip--Instanbul in reverse.
But, to the title of my article, I do feel we have missed Hendo's engine last three matches. Don't get me wrong, we should have been 4/5 up, and no excuse for not getting three points from 3 nil with less than 15 minutes left. But we just don't seem the same in midfield without Henderson, and I don't see us getting run over in midfield last 10 minutes. Not an excuse, just my observation on his importance this year.
Allen I thought did well, but Lucas for me didn't do much--had it ben Hendo in his stead, just don't see us letting this (or Chelsea) slip.
Brendan I think could've done better closing things up at 3-1; before that don't mind going for goal difference, if for no other reason than keeping pressure on City.
Still one hell of a season, and couldn't be more proud of our effort. Hard to take right now, but to be fair didn't think we would be anywhere near this position in August. Nothing now but beat Newcastle, and hope City drop serve.
Really miss Henderson
posted on 6/5/14
I'm gonna get slaughtered for this. But Lucas has been given enough rope to hang himself in these last three games. Hes slow physically and mentally, he seems a few seconds behind the rest of the team in speed of foot and thought.
We've missed Hendo hugely, and it highlights the deficiencies in our squad.
posted on 6/5/14
We missed Hendo against Chelsea but yesterday was such a debacle that even Hendo could not prevent. Basic defensive mistakes cost us.
posted on 6/5/14
As a United fan i think your analysis on hendo/lucas is spot on. Lucas looks like he would fit in perfectly to the united midfield,no pace,vision,goals and square balls aplenty.
posted on 6/5/14
Couldn't agree more. I actually remember thinking when he got sent off for that reckless challenge in injury time, will that cost us the title? I think it has. As you say we've missed his energy levels and harrying, which lead to the opposition losing possession in dangerous areas, and us being able to defend further up the field.
posted on 6/5/14
Agreed with both points.
We have missed Henderson and the vastly overrated Lucas has been poor.
posted on 6/5/14
I agree Biscan, Lucas has looked well out of his depth in those forward positions. I was really surprised that he started over Coutinho in that position.
posted on 6/5/14
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posted on 6/5/14
Dominating the first half and crumbling a bit in the 2nd was a common theme for Liverpool in the first half of the season. It's more a tactical and mental issue than a personnel one. A midfield of Lucas, Gerrard and Allen SHOULD be a solid one.
posted on 6/5/14
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posted on 6/5/14
Terrible defence was shocking and have cost us the title. Great but to be so close and let a 3 goal lead slip disgraceful. BR needs to look seriously @ the defence, lucas im aafraid I don't think hes gonna recover from his injuries.