First things first for those who watched the game on the box, turn the commentary off. It's subtle and constant bias against us. I am not suggesting for one minute that it is even deliberate, just the view point of EVERY person involved with the commentary "supported" either Liverpool or Woolwich. Here is what I mean:
Constant reference to Spurs finishing the season poorly, must have been mentioned at least 5 times. Constant ref to Spurs not beating Liverpool since 2012. Contrast that with NOT a SINGLE reference to Liverpool only finishing above Spurs once in 7yrs!! Not a SINGLE reference to Liverpool finishing 8th last season, joint worst position in 61yrs!!! Why not say "Liverpool have failed to beat Spurs in three years"? When we scored Tylers first words were "Mane's offside goal was pivotal". When we attacked they spoke of the Liverpool defence. When they attacked they spoke of the Liverpool attack (not our defence). Alli's (the most fouled player in the game) temperament was AGAIN mentioned/highlighted, no reference to Mane's temperament, his was actually praised. Pulling up the Vertonghen shirt pull and saying it should be a penalty, failing to understand the rules as you can't give a penalty when the ball is not in play (the corner hadn't been taken). *Please don't confuse this as a disgruntled rant. They are not doing it deliberately, but if you support (and they do openly support their clubs passionately) what would you say if you were commentating? It's subtle but it is constant throughout the entire 90mins. and it's seeping into your consciousness too. Turn the commentary OFF, or go watch the game in the pub where you can't here the commentators.
The game:
Draw was a fair result. We had the better of the first 10mins, despite the best chance falling to them. Thought next 10mins was even, remainder of the half Liverpool were better. Second half, first 10mins they were better, without creating anything. Remainder of the half we were the better side.
The penalty shouldn't have even been given, Courtinho was offside and he was interfering with play by making a run to draw a defender. I fucking hate pens being conceded for a touch like that, what is the defending player supposed to do? Where is he supposed to go? If Lamela makes zero challenge or zero attempt to do anything how can it even be a foul? But it was given, their only goal they got was not from open play and shouldn't have been given! If that was a penalty why were we not awarded one Lovren against Jansen (holding), it was a stonewall pen.
Whilst I'm winging a bit, Mane, should have been sent off today, 4 clear yellow card fouls made only one given, lucky boy.
Wanyamma is a fantastic player, far far better than I thought he was, he is much more than a "beast" player, some great feet and intricate work in the first half.
Vorm, his save in first 5 mins was brilliant, stayed on his feet, reacted to shot, saved it and then reacted even quicker to gather the ball. Supper tackles off his line too, these moments are where you judge a keeper as they are decisions that are being made, every goalkeeper can pull off reaction saves once in a while, but having a keeper that make good decisions breeds confidence at the back.
Lamela - Very good again
Rose - Very good game, shut out Mane (which many defenders will fail to do this year), so much so he changed his position.
For me the players that are not at the same levels as last year are Kane, Alli and Dier. Although thought Dier was good when asked to play RB. I don't know why this is, loads of talk about Euro's etc but other players who played their Rose, Walker, Toby look OK and on form. Eriksen another disappointing game from him, but like last year he didn't show up until the Bournemouth game. But to have these 4 players (over a quarter of our team) not on form is basically the reason why we are not purring yet.
Started to read some of the comments on here and thought we had lost six nil. We took a point from a team that people are saying has a nailed on top 4 place. We've taken a point away from home from Everton, who I think will be vastly improved under Koeman probably a top 6 team. I think we are OK, very similar to last year. I'd go so far as to say that we are managing games better than the same time last year. Remember the Leicester away game, that was fucking horrible. We are not flowing yet but name me a team that is? Then name me a team that is above us who have played harder oppo than us, Hull??? Last year Poch didn't know his best team at this stage, so not only were we trying to click, each game there were players coming in and out of the team. This year we know the team, we therefore can see where the improvement should come from (Alli, Kane, Eriksen & Dier), with Dembele still to come back in I think things are more than OK right now.