Let's All Laugh At... Let's all laugh at Liverpool thread

[Cravenspurs]

So you don't rate Bale, or believe that players such as Martial and De Ligt are considered top prospects around Europe also.

We get linked with plenty, and as for Liverpool, I've heard all season how great they are...

Who currently sits 3rd in the table?

Feck em"

I didn't say that I don't rate Bale, Martial or De Ligt and agree that we do get linked to some very exciting names. But I would argue that history states we don't typically get established players, but I am hoping with CL, a larger stadium revenue and the general buzz around the club will change that.

As for Liverpool, I agree as well. I want to see them fail, but with Klopp at the helm and with the pocket book they sport, they are going to only get stronger. If they had the Dutch wall all year like they wanted, I think their season could have been much stronger.

Purely as a fan though, 1pt separating 3rd and 4th means nothing in my opinion especially since the CL change for the playoff round.

An example from the NBA in terms of where teams finish and what that means at the end of the day:

2017-18 Season - Portland Trail Blazers finished 49-33 in the regular season and faced the New Orleans Pelicans who finished 48-34 in the playoffs. Blazers were the 3rd seed and faced the 6th seeded Pelicans. The Pelicans whooped their ass 4-0 and swept the series.

Did that correlation stand with Spurs vs Pool? No, we got them on an individual basis this year. Yet, they also got the better of Man City, the biggest hurdle for the crown, and we looked reeaaaaal bad against them.

So if they get better in attack and at the back, then we better keep pace with the likes of Bale, Marial, and De Ligt.

 

[rossdapep]

I didn't say that I don't rate Bale, Martial or De Ligt and agree that we do get linked to some very exciting names. But I would argue that history states we don't typically get established players, but I am hoping with CL, a larger stadium revenue and the general buzz around the club will change that.

As for Liverpool, I agree as well. I want to see them fail, but with Klopp at the helm and with the pocket book they sport, they are going to only get stronger. If they had the Dutch wall all year like they wanted, I think their season could have been much stronger.

Purely as a fan though, 1pt separating 3rd and 4th means nothing in my opinion especially since the CL change for the playoff round.

An example from the NBA in terms of where teams finish and what that means at the end of the day:

2017-18 Season - Portland Trail Blazers finished 49-33 in the regular season and faced the New Orleans Pelicans who finished 48-34 in the playoffs. Blazers were the 3rd seed and faced the 6th seeded Pelicans. The Pelicans whooped their ass 4-0 and swept the series.

Did that correlation stand with Spurs vs Pool? No, we got them on an individual basis this year. Yet, they also got the better of Man City, the biggest hurdle for the crown, and we looked reeaaaaal bad against them.

So if they get better in attack and at the back, then we better keep pace with the likes of Bale, Marial, and De Ligt.

And we looked excellent against Pool home and away, so you can't simply compare how we did against City with them. And finishing above them in a league calendar is a better indicator of how good a team is - then you need to consider we haven't played a home game all season - how much further would we be then?

I don't think we were in a good situation either time we played City, and this isn't making excuses, it's clear that our form and fitness each time was down. Not saying we would have won, but I'd like to see how we got on against City at full strength and in full flow. Liverpool had that both times.

 

[ohtottenham!]

And we looked excellent against Pool home and away, so you can't simply compare how we did against City with them. And finishing above them in a league calendar is a better indicator of how good a team is - then you need to consider we haven't played a home game all season - how much further would we be then?

I don't think we were in a good situation either time we played City, and this isn't making excuses, it's clear that our form and fitness each time was down. Not saying we would have won, but I'd like to see how we got on against City at full strength and in full flow. Liverpool had that both times .

The City defence were overwhelmed by the pace of Liverpool's counter, and with the threats from the flanks. Our defence could live with that threat.

But, we don't have that same pace with our counter attacks to bother City, nor do we have much threat on the flanks against the top teams. We still have a pretty good attack, heavily Eriksen reliant and obviously Kane when fit, which can find scoring opportunities against any team.

Right now, imo, we can beat Liverpool, City can beat us, Liverpool can get a result against City if things go their way.

Think all teams are going to obviously adjust for their weaknesses and make key signings.

 

[Cravenspurs]

And we looked excellent against Pool home and away, so you can't simply compare how we did against City with them. And finishing above them in a league calendar is a better indicator of how good a team is - then you need to consider we haven't played a home game all season - how much further would we be then?

I don't think we were in a good situation either time we played City, and this isn't making excuses, it's clear that our form and fitness each time was down. Not saying we would have won, but I'd like to see how we got on against City at full strength and in full flow. Liverpool had that both times.

First encounter with City:

5 Games leading up to: LDWWW (GD +8)
5 Games after: WWWDW (GD +11)

Second encounter with City:

5 Games leading up to: LWWWW (GD +9) - Lose to Juve and Win against Chelsea
5 Games after: DLWLW (GD +1)

From the quick 10 mins of research the above took, I think we were in pretty good form leading up to City in each game. We were worked 3-1 and 4-1. I can't find a good source of how we both performed against the EPL teams over the year, but again, I don't think a 1-2 point gap is any show of greatness. If we end up ahead of them, then great, but I think we are pretty even. But how much further do you think they would be if they had Van Dijk all season? Same could be said for Toby with us as well.

Either way I think the gap isn't huge between us, but we must keep pace in terms of squad development. We have a a years headstart on squad development with a Poch vs Klopp comparison. Where will Klopp be after his 4th year?

I think the Wembley deal is being a bit blown out of proportion. Sure it isn't WHL and people have to deal with the traffic, but our average attendance has been higher so to say the support wasn't there isn't a valid argument.

 

[rossdapep]

The City defence were overwhelmed by the pace of Liverpool's counter, and with the threats from the flanks. Our defence could live with that threat.

But, we don't have that same pace with our counter attacks to bother City, nor do we have much threat on the flanks against the top teams. We still have a pretty good attack, heavily Eriksen reliant and obviously Kane when fit, which can find scoring opportunities against any team.

Right now, imo, we can beat Liverpool, City can beat us, Liverpool can get a result against City if things go their way.

Think all teams are going to obviously adjust for their weaknesses and make key signings.

This sums it up perfectly!

 

[rossdapep]

First encounter with City:

5 Games leading up to: LDWWW (GD +8)
5 Games after: WWWDW (GD +1)

Second encounter with City:

5 Games leading up to: LWWWW (GD +9) - Lose to Juve and Win against Chelsea
5 Games after: DLWLW (GD +1)

From the quick 10 mins of research the above took, I think we were in pretty good form leading up to City in each game. We were worked 3-1 and 4-1. I can't find a good source of how we both performed against the EPL teams over the year, but again, I don't think a 1-2 point gap is any show of greatness. If we end up ahead of them, then great, but I think we are pretty even. But how much further do you think they would be if they had Van Dijk all season? Same could be said for Toby with us as well.

Either way I think the gap isn't huge between us, but we must keep pace in terms of squad development. We have a a years headstart on squad development with a Poch vs Klopp comparison. Where will Klopp be after his 4th year?

I think the Wembley deal is being a bit blown out of proportion. Sure it isn't WHL and people have to deal with the traffic, but our average attendance has been higher so to say the support wasn't there isn't a valid argument.

First encounter vs City we were without Toby, Sanchez, Wanyama and both Dembele and Winks were struggling. That meant we had Verts & Dier at CB with no protection, it also meant that Trippier was being badly exposed. We beat Stoke & Brighton prior to that but we had just gotten over our worst form of the season and hadn't being firing on all cylinders at all.

Second encounter we were in better shape but it still came after a gruelling run, and I believe this is the point when fatigue started to set in. That Wembley pitch was perfect for a City team who make the most of the space they get.

We went from putting a great battle against City to completely faltering the next, that's partly down to City improving but also the fact that it's been very tough for us this season.

With some serious investment I believe that next season we will be a very tough match for them, especially in our new home.

The problem with Wembley isn't attendance it's the extra yards either way, it means the players have to cover more ground, work harder, not too mention the fact other teams get up for the Wembley encounter, treating it more like a final.

Van Dijk has improved Liverpool's defence but he hasn't suddenly made them this impregnable team, they still have holes due to the nature of their play.

I personally think we have more substance and stability about us, unfortunately we've had an extremely tough season....and coped admirably.

 

[coys200]

Fekir is a very talented footballer. If they add him to Keita, I will be seriously worried about them. Two of the best young players of their type knocking around Europe right now.

Obviously fekir is a quality player and would improve their depth. Losing Ox is a big blow to them, he’s perfect for that 3 in midfield. Sala firmino mane Keita Ox DM? Taa dijk CM? Robertson GK? Would be a very tasty xi. But with Ox injury they are still 3/4 players off that. Plus currently no cover for front 3 at all. Imo they are still 6/7 players short of having depth to mount a title challenge.

 

[spursfan77]

Obviously fekir is a quality player and would improve their depth. Losing Ox is a big blow to them, he’s perfect for that 3 in midfield. Sala firmino mane Keita Ox DM? Taa dijk CM? Robertson GK? Would be a very tasty xi. But with Ox injury they are still 3/4 players off that. Plus currently no cover for front 3 at all. Imo they are still 6/7 players short of having depth to mount a title challenge.

That’s still not as good as our starting XI though

 

[coys200]

Mahrez as in the Mahrez who was player of the year 2 seasons after joining from Le Havre? That Mahrez?

Unsure he's the best argument against Fekir.

My point was really a bit like “ the grass is always greener”. Obviously some people on here watch these players constantly. But most of us don’t. so players like Malcolm lemar Bailey fekir, are probably no better than players we see every week like sterling Rashford Son mane etc. It’s just they are shrouded in a bit more mystery making them seem a level above buying a Zaha.

 

[nailsy]

Do get me started...

Go on.

 

[coys200]

That’s still not as good as our starting XI though

If you put us to a 4-3-3. Our best imo would be kane Son Dele - Eriksen dembele Dier - trips alderweireld vertonghen Rose - hugo. From them I’d take Salah for not sure tbh son/ dele . Keita for dembele. Robertson for Rose debatable. Mane for Son/ dele debatable. So yeah would probably be 7 spurs definitely 2 Liverpool definitely and rest debatable.

 

[jamesinashby]

Sevilla beating Real Madrid 3- 1 tonight....someone's going to get the backlash.....hopefully Liverpool.

Better still, Liverpool also lose on Sunday while Chelsea win and Klopp finds himself cupless and 5th. Salah will soon change his recent statement of definitely being at Anfield next season.

COYS

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Obviously fekir is a quality player and would improve their depth. Losing Ox is a big blow to them, he’s perfect for that 3 in midfield. Sala firmino mane Keita Ox DM? Taa dijk CM? Robertson GK? Would be a very tasty xi. But with Ox injury they are still 3/4 players off that. Plus currently no cover for front 3 at all. Imo they are still 6/7 players short of having depth to mount a title challenge.

I disagree. I think if they get Fekir and maybe add another more defensive cm/dm, and maybe one more player, I think they will be right up there in the mix. They are the one team that can really rattle City, if they can just get the squad depth to maintain a challenge, and someone like Fekir would give them the tools to play a different way, help break the bus parkers.

Keita is real game changer, he's absolutely perfect for Klopp's football, he's brilliant on the transition, wins the ball, can move with it forwards with purpose but also sees a pass quickly and plays it, their front three are going to love having him behind them. You add someone like Fekir to that blend and you've got another clever player who's vision and incision is lethal and he scores goals too.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Go on.

Just been banging on about Fekir for 2/3 years. But also banging on about us adding players of that ilk. Quick brains, Poch seems obsessed with adding quick legs.

 

[Cornpattbuck]

I disagree. I think if they get Fekir and maybe add another more defensive cm/dm, and maybe one more player, I think they will be right up there in the mix. They are the one team that can really rattle City, if they can just get the squad depth to maintain a challenge, and someone like Fekir would give them the tools to play a different way, help break the bus parkers.

Keita is real game changer, he's absolutely perfect for Klopp's football, he's brilliant on the transition, wins the ball, can move with it forwards with purpose but also sees a pass quickly and plays it, their front three are going to love having him behind them. You add someone like Fekir to that blend and you've got another clever player who's vision and incision is lethal and he scores goals too.

Their recruitment has been brilliant recently. Got very lucky with the fitness and consistency of Salah, Firminho and Mane this year, but the players being talked about would certainly help that.

 

[coys200]

I disagree. I think if they get Fekir and maybe add another more defensive cm/dm, and maybe one more player, I think they will be right up there in the mix. They are the one team that can really rattle City, if they can just get the squad depth to maintain a challenge, and someone like Fekir would give them the tools to play a different way, help break the bus parkers.

Keita is real game changer, he's absolutely perfect for Klopp's football, he's brilliant on the transition, wins the ball, can move with it forwards with purpose but also sees a pass quickly and plays it, their front three are going to love having him behind them. You add someone like Fekir to that blend and you've got another clever player who's vision and incision is lethal and he scores goals too.

Keita looks great on the eye but for it’s debatable If he’s even a midfielder very similar to Ox in his style imo and could easily play in the front 3. The trouble is he is incredibly indisciplined in both tracking back as a midfielder and his actual discipline sent off 4 times this season. He’s partly why Leipzig had such a poor defensive record. Will be interesting to see how he gets on and certainly be entertaining. But without a serious DM I think their back 4 will be massively exposed.

 

[punkisback]

Just been banging on about Fekir for 2/3 years. But also banging on about us adding players of that ilk. Quick brains, Poch seems obsessed with adding quick legs.

How much I agree, I would love someone with technique and a brain.

 

[Cornpattbuck]

How much I agree, I would love someone with technique and a brain.

Kane, Dele and Eriksen all do when on form. Could add Lamela and Winks (hope he's back next year) that list too.

 

[slartibartfast]

Better still, Liverpool also lose on Sunday while Chelsea win and Klopp finds himself cupless and 5th. Salah will soon change his recent statement of definitely being at Anfield next season.

COYS

Wouldnt surprise me if they lost.
They know theyve a cl final coming up and wont want to get injured.
Imo thats partly why theyve been so shite recently.

 

[slartibartfast]

Not saying we would have won, but I'd like to see how we got on against City at full strength and in full flow. Liverpool had that both times.

And some, not one but some, very generous refereeing decisions in their favour. They've done very well out of refs in big games this season. Tossers lol.