First of all, as unlikely as it would have seemed a few months ago, I think Evans is playing well. I also think him and Smalling are our best defensive partnership at the moment (not including Vidic obviously).
I think Scholes was excellent today. Carrick was also good but Scholes was just classy in every area. He even made legitimate tackles. He was always available to receive a pass, his passing was crisp and his movement was very good. We monopolised possession with him on the pitch. Very encouraging display.
I may get slated for this but I have to say Park was dismal today, discounting the admittedly very well taken goal. His touch was poor, his passing worse, his decision making terrible and his effect on the team pretty dire.
Giggs was not far behind. He misplaces passes too often and loses possession far too easily. I think today was a poor performance from him.
Rafael was impressive, effective going forward and solid in defence too. Valencia was dangerous in the first half but ineffectual in the second.
As for De Gea, the first goal was absolutely not his fault. However, his handling from high balls still looks distinctly substandard, and whilst the second goal wasn't his fault it is slightly perturbing that a fair few shots seem to go through him.
Overall we probably deserved to win, as we played better for 70 minutes of the match, but there was an obvious lack of creativity in the final third without Rooney and Nani. The sooner they are back the better.
My take on the match
posted on 28/1/12
Utd missing most first team players and still dominate at anfield. It was just an unlucky day. At Old Trafford they won't be so lucky
posted on 28/1/12
Park has been awful for ages. He can't stay on his feet either !! We lost at Newcastle with Giggs and Park in midfield. Lost at Basle too with those two!! Lost to Blackburn with a ridiculously selected midfield. There is a pattern here !
posted on 28/1/12
We let you have the ball in midfield and rightly so...
posted on 28/1/12
I may get slated for this but I have to say Park was dismal today, discounting the admittedly very well taken goal. His touch was poor, his passing worse, his decision making terrible and his effect on the team pretty dire.
Giggs was not far behind. He misplaces passes too often and loses possession far too easily. I think today was a poor performance from him.
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Been saying this all season. They use the football like it's a hot potato. Or a tsunami in Park's case as all he seems to do is fall over. I love footballer's that know how to keep possession and use it wisely. Hence the return of Cleverley will be pivotal in our attempts to win the league.
posted on 28/1/12
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 28/1/12
We played well but were unlucky today. But you guys are a bit harsh on Park.
posted on 28/1/12
Reason-Not-the-Need (U4135)
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How is criticising a player that hasn't put in a decent performance of any note since last January harsh?
posted on 28/1/12
Scholesatov (U12340)
posted 3 minutes ago
Reason-Not-the-Need (U4135)
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How is criticising a player that hasn't put in a decent performance of any note since last January harsh?
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How? Well, he scored our only goal, and a well taken goal, at that.
posted on 28/1/12
How? Well, he scored our only goal, and a well taken goal, at that.
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It was a well taken goal, I agree. That doesn't excuse him from playing poorly does it? I hear the same about Giggs all the time. He puts in one decent cross out of about 20 which leads to an assist, and then 19 other opportunites to do something productive gets forgotten about. It makes me wonder whether people actually watch the game or just catch the highlights.
posted on 28/1/12
i agree scholesatov
giggs and park absolutely awful everytime they play. i don't care if they get a goal or assist it doesnt get excuse them from being cack