Liverpool - YNWA

[Peter R]

If there is a parallel universe and Gerrard had NOT slipped, I think the result would have been different. Once they got their nose in front the tactics became even clearer and it worked... and while Schwarzer made a couple decent saves, all the shots at him, were basically that, straight at him.

A draw would have suited us fine and that first goal, which had nothing to do with Mourinho's tactics in spite of what some people are saying, really was the undoing. A 0-0 draw would have worked as I fully expect LFC to win the next two matches.

[Tilla]

If there were a parallel universe and Tomas Kalas' head had contacted that Lampard cross, the game would have been different as well. The young man only needed another inch of contact with the ball to realize his first EPL goal.

A part of Liverpool's problem under Rodgers is that the team play one way and have no alternate strategy (or plan B) for when things are not going their way. So they come out and attack, attack and throwing even the kitchen sink at teams. Many teams fold under the pressure and end up giving up goals. Once Liverpool are ahead, they continue, with tails up and throw their attack at you.

Now in a situation where a team can absorb the pressure and wait for the opportunity for you to make a mistake and pounce. . .
Once Liverpool fell behind, the writing was on the wall.

People talk about parking bus and all the crap. I guess we parked the bus when Chelsea smacked Arsenal 6-0, Beat ManUre 3-1, beat Man City twice and beat Liverpool in the previous fixture at The Bridge?

Good managers tailor their games to match the teams they play. The bottom line in this game is to win so you earn points. If you can't win, then make sure you don't lose. I endorse that philosophy fully. Playing pretty ball and losing in not my forte. I used to hate hearing Jamaicans talk that "wi ball dem, but dem beat wi".

Yesterday's game showed Rodgers to be the Youth Coach as X has branded him. He knows one way to play and come hell or high water, that was going to be his approach. He then blame the loss on parking the bus instead of truly identifying his shortcomings.

[Peter R]

You're sounding, dare I say, "defensive" about the "park the bus" strategy

Congrats on the win my brother. You now have to hope that Shetty slips up (which would be VERY nice) as well as Liverpool (which would NOT be very nice).

[Tilla]

I do not consider game in which you are well organized defensively and beating an opponent by two goals (could have been 4) as parking the bus. Yes, I said 4, as Kalas should have scored and the hand ball in the box should have been a penalty when your defender's hand stopped a ball on its way to goal. I would say he did not deliberately make the attempt to handle the ball, but the outcome warrants punishment.

Rodgers did not think it was prudent for him to say try sitting back in a more defensive game and pulling out Chelsea and hitting them on the counter. The problem is, he does not trust his team's defensive game to be able to contain Chelsea, even if they were using a second string team.

I guess the discussion may now switch to "second string". I am done here.