tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-459543989363352594.post1350998099731995812..comments2023-03-24T02:51:54.422-04:00Comments on Sport Bullet Blog: Liver Bird Heads Buried in sandBen Teaguehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12686319387985971124noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-459543989363352594.post-54618588854711421642009-11-14T15:20:21.882-05:002009-11-14T15:20:21.882-05:00Dale, I think the problem goes beyond losing Xabi....Dale, I think the problem goes beyond losing Xabi. Before last season, Alonso was arguably having a bad season and wasnt always first name on the team shirt. I think what I was trying to get at, is its more of a collective problem. As much as it pains me to say, Carra has been uncharacteristically inconsistent, Gerrard has not been on song, mascha has been too distracted with captaining Argentina, and Benitez has made a few tactical errors. Put all this together, with a dose of bad luck and low confidence plus Aqualani not being fit, and I believe thats why have lost so many. The thing with Aqualani that worries me, is that its already assumed he will fill the boots of Alonso from day one, and will single handedly turn our season around. Switching to Anfield is enough pressure, but due to our dilemma he is now expected to impress from the off. I keep seeing that huge banner in the kop saying "Aqualani a hero will rise", which makes me cringe every time. I hope the optimism is right, but that is pressure right there.Ben Teaguehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12686319387985971124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-459543989363352594.post-62980984353904617832009-11-14T07:34:31.346-05:002009-11-14T07:34:31.346-05:00Great piece Ben, I too adopt the "if I disass...Great piece Ben, I too adopt the "if I disassociate myself from everything connected with football, a) it either did not happen or b) I banish it to the recesses of my mind and therefor don't think about it. It's a strange feeling as in previous seasons it may have happened on the odd occasion but I can't see things turning around dramatically. With the exception of a poor united display, everytime we have played a side this season who play at a good level and have performed ok, we have not won and it's gone on for too long to be classed as a temporary blip or poor form. True the injuries have crippled us (even now, Benayoun being out for a month is disastorous, coupled with Riera's absence, it should mean Babel gets the opportunity he is waiting for - again! - but it won't, Aurelio will play left wing I have no doubt, particularly away from home). Alonso's absence is the key, not just because of his ability but the effect it has had on the balance of the team. In my view Mascherano is one of the best two players in the world of his type and him and Xabi complemented each other as well as any other midfield partnership we have had in the past twenty five years. Without Alonso, Mascherano is shown up to be a poor passer of the ball - put it this way, Denilson, Diaby, Fabregas, Song, Carrick, Hargreaves, Scholes, Fletcher, Ballack, Lampard, Deco, Mikel, Ireland and Barry are in a different league when it comes to creativity and picking a pass. Lucas, whiulst having improved is playing the more advanced role and is instructed not to drop deep and pick up the ball - therin lies our problem I believe. Once Aquilani is fit, if you believe the hype, this problem will be rectified, but in my opinion our league championship push was over after the Fulham defeat, if we finish the season with less than nine defeats I will eat my hat.Dalenoreply@blogger.com