I also think that our ball progression isnt the same, Bobby used to link up loads with Mo and it seems that isn’t happening anymore, as Bobby isn’t receiving the ball in and around our right attacking channel, but is doing so on the left.
When you look at our general play, when Bobby does appear there and links up with Mo, we create something
Klopp said about training time being scarce but it feels like we’ve changed up how we are playing from the Charity Shield match. Is it because we are trying to compensate for losing Thiago?
In the Fulham away match it was the speed and effort we put into the match that was the problem, we got it right in the second half.
Looks like our fitness levels as a team (still not sure about Trent) are catching up but I’m baffled by what we are trying to do when we have the ball. We were never this dependent on a single player that the whole team balance would be thrown in disarray at his absence (Thiago)
For me the player that has become indispensable is Fabinho. If we lose him to suspension or injury, then I fear for us. With him in you can have any two midfielder in front of him and it doesn’t matter. Have anyone else there and you need more “1st” teamers fit. He also brings a balance that none of the others have brought to the team when they play there.
I don’t think it makes much difference whether its Fabinho or Henderson in that role to be honest.
If Henderson plays, we need better than a combination of Harvey and Carvalho ahead of him.
Not sure of that, Fabinho wasn’t great yesterday, didn’t read much which caused him to be late for everything. Positioning not great (probably due to not reading the game). Should have been helping even commanding the youngsters and didn’t. No, he’s not great at the moment.
Still our biggest problam imo, well a number of problems, start with our forward line not pressing, this new forward line really shows up how poor and little Salah is and does when we press. Then we stay too wide all the time even on defence. This means Fabinho ends up with far too much to cover particularly if the other midfielders take it on themselves to press the opposition defenders (who have 5 midfielders to pass to) with the front line doing nothing.
We’re not in a good place. We have good players however we haven’t a semblance of a team. Having the youngsters in just highlighted this, they would be doing what they are asked to and trained to do.
This is going to be a long season, we have too much to correct, starting with communication imo.
If Fabinho plays we can’t be relying on teenagers around him as much as we are.
Just hope we’re not rushing Thiago back but even when fit there’s that constant fear of when he’ll next pull something. Need Arthur up to speed and fitness asap as I think it’s pretty clear time has caught up with Milner and Naby and Ox just can’t be relied upon.
The young lads are great but we can’t be running them into the ground.
Could only listen on the radio, sounded like we were a bit unlucky with hitting the bar twice, post once and forcing a few good saves but could easily have conceded at the other end too.
One thing that confused me is the Gordon’s only talent is being really fast, so why bring on Milner… Everytime I heard Milner’s name on commentary it was because Gordon was skinning him.
Read that Salah, Trent murals have been defaced. Anyone local seen this?
Problem with Fab we dont trust him with the ball as he isn’t press resistant and this is where we struggle when teams press there are no outlets for our defenders and a lot if it stems from the number 6 role
Fabinho whilst out of form is being asked to do too much, he’s covering far too much space and getting minimal build up help from the rest of midfield.
I don’t disagree, But, I watching, and the team, aren’t confident in giving him the ball when we are pressed, he lacks the skillset of a Rodri type player. Also he lacks the atleticism at times for the way we play are playing
@Draexnael @Sportbilly1966 you both make valid points. Fab is being asked to do too much, and not being given support close by. And teams are clearly targeting him in possession, a lot of which to do with him not being the quickest
Nail on the head, his athleticism i.e speed and ability to change direction quickly is definitely a problem and his timing of challenges are out
To not give the ball to Darwin?
What a run, and crucial that is.
No one else would have been able to cover, and as much as Alisson made a superb save, without Salah here taking space and forcing the shot, it was a certain goal.
It’s no surprise that since last year when teams have pressed us high we’ve struggled, especially when Thiago is out.
A bit of a reality check for some who thought we could play Fabinho with the two younger players and be successful and we were playing one of the worst teams in the league.
Like our manager, you mean? 
He tried it because he didn’t want to play Milner again but our midfield was poor.