He tracks back quicker than any of our midfielders, despite being higher and despite them being at fault for cheaply losing possession time and time again.
He also pulled a couple of low crosses into good areas across the box and the forwards were just all stood on their heels.
Does need to be better in possession that’s evident, the stupid shit at the end trying to shift half a yard was awful, then again if this team cut all the stupid shit out, we’d probably be titles challengers.
Kerkez didn’t block a single cross today and was eaten alive by Elanga to the point that Newcastle were throwing everything up that side of the pitch. His crossing was dreadful and although he’s the earnest sort he just seems brain dead to me.
I hope it was just an off day too. 
He can be good in attack and spots opportunities but is easily bullied in defence.
I mentioned it in the pre game thread he is normally further out cutting down the angle.
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If that’s how you want to analyse a player then so be it. How about you tell me what he done well….
Watch their second goal.
I will ask you a genuine question, would you be happy if Frimpong played RB for the whole season?
Reading some of the comments on the Pre match thread. I am really surprised some being so critical on Rio Ngumoha and saying that Victor Muñoz did more in 20 minutes than Rio. There is an age and experience differences of 5 years. Besides, Muñoz is known to be comfortable playing on both wings. Ngumoha only starts to work on the right wing. Give the kid (in fact, both kids) time.
Kerkez made at least two blocks that I can recall. He also got a shin to the head diving onto the ball, with 3 Newcastle players in close proximity.
I am in no way saying he is the best of LB’s however, in my opinion he at least has attributes a manager can work with.
He’s frustrated me since he arrived but I thought he was great at Bournemouth so I’m hoping you are right.
Probably going to get pelters for this, but I just rewatched the match and thought we played pretty well.The second Newcastle goal was by far the worst moment of the game. Gravenberch, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, and Jaquet all made mistakes there.
Overall, though, it was better football than most of what I watched last season. It’s not a great sign that we still dropped points while playing fairly well, but Newcastle’s players and fans were properly up for that one.I thought Isak was dire, but everyone else had some really good moments. I expect this team to make mistakes over the next month, but honestly, we played well for about 70 minutes of that match. That’s a lot better than the 20 minutes of decent play we were getting last season.
I think our problem, is that since he joined last summer, too many players have frustrated rather than have delivered. I would love Frimpong or any other Liverpool player to prove me wrong, I am not hating on them I am just being honest.
It doesn’t come off as hating them. Most fans honestly want them to come good too. It’s a cliche but I thik we are two good players away from a decent squad and I think Iraola can get them to gel because of his track record.
I’m just adding that we might want to give credit to Newcastle’s defence which was superb most of the game, except for the last 10 seconds. I almost felt bad for Hall because he was brilliant and I would kill to have him at LFC.
Apart from the we played pretty well comment, I think this is a fair assessment.
And, I agree we did play well at times, we seemed a lot quicker in our transition. However, we still faced the same old problems when they had managed to regroup defensively.
Regarding Isak, I think you could group Rio and Wirtz into that category also. Gapko, was arguably our best player today yet I would rather Rio be starting there.
I really rate Wirtz on a technical level, however, I think a midfield of Mac, Grav and Slobz is the way forward.
Completely agree.
I actually feel the Newcastle team played well, as a whole. I don’t see it lasting for them but credit is due where it is due.
Anyhow, a positive is that the Transfer window is still open…
I thought Wirtz had a good first half, but not a good second half. Rio struggled, particularly with his off-the-ball movement offensively, but he won the ball high up the pitch in a press that created a chance and beat Hall on the dribble at least twice, even though the crosses didn’t find anyone. Rio wasn’t great, but I also don’t think Muñoz was much better until that very last moment that earned us a point. I’m okay with trying Rio there again. He won’t come up against many left backs better than Hall this season.
Basically, I saw enough positives that if Iraola rolled out the same starting lineup next match, I’d be okay with it (not thrilled, but okay). There was enough there to be encouraged by. Also, hopefully we get some transfers this week to strengthen the side.
Great post.
I just watched the whole game, and although we made some mistakes, which happens at this stage of the season with a new manager, we were the better side and certainly didn’t deserve to lose.
A couple of the new lads were very promising and a couple of the others are still adapting to the new regime. I don’t get the mentality that throws players under the bus after one match. Wirtz, Isak, Kerkez are all excellent players and I’m confident they will come good once they fit in with the manager’s tactics.
Too much negativity on here sometimes. That was Newcastle at 100% and us at 70%.
Looking forward to an exciting season.
How else do you analys a full backs defensive capabilities, he wasn’t beaten by his opposite number and for a little fella he competes ok in the air, but didn’t have any aerial challenges in the game.
I have agreed on both that they need to improve on the ball.
There’s a lot of ‘the sky is falling!’ on here. Far too much negativity. But I do agree that we need a DM and based on yesterday’s performance that would put Wirtz’s place at risk.
I’m sure Isak will do a lot better when he doesn’t have 50,000 people continually baiting him.