5 concerns for Liverpool following the Spurs loss

3) Andy Carroll – Lacking match fitness, the Geordie was selected to start against Spurs yesterday after the injury to Raul Meireles. I will be discussing this issue in another article later today, but it was apparent that Carroll’s inclusion did disrupt the Reds’ style of play. It is mostly not Andy’s fault though. For one he had little or no service from wide areas, which is crucial if we are going to get the best out of him. Secondly, it is very hard to expect a top class performance when he is lacking fitness, and addition to this, coming in against a top class opponent such as Tottenham.

4) With Raul Meireles and Steven Gerrard absent, there was a distinct lack of creativity from the Reds. Our first attempt on goal came after 35 minutes and we only forced a first save from Cudicini in the second half. The introduction of Andy Carroll in the team may have disrupted our rhythm in the attacking third, but it must be said that our only creative outlet Luis Suarez was well marshalled by the Spurs defence with both Michael Dawson and Ledley King marking the Uruguayan tightly and not allowing him to turn into space. With only fleeting moments from Suarez, there was a reversion to long ball tactics to Carroll as the match went on. The introduction of three strikers for the last 10 minutes was an act of desperation on our part as there was no creativity in central midfield or wide areas to cut open the solid Spurs backline.

5) With things not going our way in the second half, Kenny decided to replace Spearing with Jonjo Shelvey. Although I am great admirer of the youngster’s talents, it was evident that, other than Joe Cole, we had very few other options on the bench who could come on and change the game. Spending wisely in the summer is therefore a necessity to address this lack of depth.

Article is courtesy of David at Live4Liverpool.com

6 responses to “5 concerns for Liverpool following the Spurs loss”

  1. stoneleech says:

    Shelvey will come good, he needs games.

  2. Pete Gillson says:

    Summary: Liverpool were rubbish under Roy Hodgson…and are still rubbish under “King” Kenny.

    Several years of stumbling around in fifth sixth beckon.

  3. Fadi chahin says:

    I agree with the above, adding that we must keep reina from going eksewhere since hes instrumental, as well as look for a high quality central defender

  4. stan howard says:

    we must use andy carroll to our best advantage, our plaYers need to learn this, one – give him long balls to take on the chest bouncing first if need be, two – dont belt a ball for him to head on if you can see there is no one to head it on to. place him at the far back post to head the ball back in but others must be prepared to then go in where it hurts, OR PLACE SOMEONE TO HEAD IT BACK IN TO HIM, three – he is not just tall he can jump so he needs to run on to crosses comming wide from in front or at least level. four – if we are breaking fast andy should release the ball almost if not as soon as it comes to him so others can use their pace – five use andy as a hold up player to give others time to get forward. ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE.

  5. King Yaweezy says:

    Shelvey looks to have the heart to make it big at this level. With a little luck, that shot could have gone in. His corners and were great. I would love to see him loaned out to a premier league team next season and he’d become a real star! Carroll aint getting decent service as well as Suarez. Its just that Suarez drops deep to pick d ball and run at defenders. Wingers and a very creative playmaker like charlie Adam would do us wonders. Adel Tarabt is another player that we can invest on a mid-term investment!