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But that's what Gerrard does, and doesn't do. He goes for the more eye-catching play, and doesn't make the simple pass even when it's the right one...

Bellamy had nothing but good things to say about Rafa when he left. I was surprised at the time, thought he'd have a go considering he didn't really agree with Rafa's ideas that he should be playing from a wider role (or something to that effect). Very respectful towards the club, and didn't he make it a point not to celebrate the dodgy goal in the 1-1 draw at Anfield (08-09)?

Think Leo did some weeks back didn't he?

Watched the game with my Arsenal supporting mate at the ground yesterday - he hooked me up with a ticket so I had to hold it in when we scored... He was raving about Enrique, constantly asking why Wenger didn't go after him given that Gibbs was constantly injured. And he said all along even before we got Enrique, that we dodged one in missing out on Clichy. At first I wasn't convinced, but on the evidence of his first two games, I am now convinced we have one of the top left backs in England.

Which? I'm guessing quick? Cahill looks quicker.

Very comfortable on the ball. And also in the air. Scores goals. Quick. Is Skrtel any of the above?

Flame me for saying that but I've looked at the replays about 50 times and still am not 100% convinced it was a clean header from Carroll. Actually, I'm almost certain it was a Kolarov OG or deflection...

Yes. But they were taking their time, they were under no pressure to sign him or anyone. Once Torres put in the transfer request, it set the wheels in motion. Without that I am not 100% certain we would have got him - we probably would have but I don't think it was that certain. However, our spending spree in the last two months has confirmed that FSG have every intention of investing in the club. Just not sure if they were that prepared initially to do so in January.

We absolutely did - that was actually what I was alluding to. Guess what I meant to say was I'm not that sure if Suarez would have joined if Torres didn't go...

If my memory serves me right we were talking about 15m-ish offers for Suarez up until 2/3 days before we got him. Then suddenly out of nowhere on the Friday we struck a deal with them for 22m or so. Hours later news of Torres' transfer request was released. Call me a skeptic but I think the potential Torres money was the catalyst for the Suarez transfer.

I believe you are right. And hope that the emphasis is on the word "largely". And at the risk of taking this thread off a separate tangent, this is what (apparently) many Arsenal fans think of Wenger and his policy:

It's about good value. If you can have, say Bellamy who can fill in as a front man, support striker and play on the flanks - not to mention good experience - for a good price on a short term deal, as opposed to having no back up at all, you'd be stupid to turn down an opportunity to strengthen. And FSG are not stupid. You need experience and character in your team as well - look at Arsenal as a prime example of lack of balance.

Suarez used to take them for Ajax didn't he? I'm sure his record is decent. That miss was so bad it hilarious if I'm honest. I chuckled a little after I saw the replays. Not sure if it would have been that funny if it was in the last minute of the game but...

Something I spotted last season as well. Nothing wrong in calling it as we see it. Might not be correct, but we should be able to discuss/analyse the football without being accused of heresy. The game on Saturday was calling out for some tactical adjustments on our part - Sunderland reacted to our movement and tempo after the break, but we didn't look like we had an answer to their changes. The players visibly tired from about the 75th minute, there was no movement ahead and off the ball. We needed Meireles to play as a third midfielder, with Downing and Kuyt wide of Carroll. Am I right in saying that the third sub was never used as well? Defo required fresh legs - I was shocked to see the bench without Maxi, he would have been a good player to come on in place of Suarez to link up the play.

That ball he played from deep into the far post - 2nd half, where Brown stretched to clear when Carroll was right with him - was top quality.

Weird, I'd spent the last 7 or so months being really unconvinced by Carroll. And then having watched yesterday's match I thought he played really well in the first half, held the ball up well and generally showed good awareness and touch. For the first time saw a proper footballer in him. Put in a shift too. Second half he faded but the problem was the lack of movement around him. And so many are claiming he didn't show up. Must watch the game again.... Both him and Suarez spent a fair bit of time rushing chasing down the opposition defenders only to turn around and find their teammates about 35 yards behind the play. My concern is more with controlling the game, which comes from bossing the midfield. With the players that we have, we don't seem to be moving off the ball in support as well as we should. Team selection was fine, the bench selection was wrong if Maxi and Aquilani were both fit. Kenny has to shoulder responsibility for the performance as well - use of subs, shape of the team, pattern of play etc...

Torres is looking very sharp. He'll probably get injured in the 67th minute.

For me Bellamy is the ex-player we need. Can slot in anywhere along the front line and has pace.

<br /><br />Red card for me. Ball was a bout a mile away. Imagine if Brown put that challenge in on Suarez...

Holding midfielder? No way. Hamann, Alonso and Mascherano. Agree bout the rest.

Banega lit their team up instantly didn't he? Was on the end of a couple of heavy challenges as soon as he got on the pitch as well. That pass to Soldado (?) near the end was quite superb. He's a pass and move player that's for sure. The kind of player I thought and hoped Aquilani would be for us... As for Carroll, so far I've not been convinced he's a good fit for us as a first choice striker. As a player to have in the squad though, absolutely essential. From the evidence so far Kenny looks like he wants a fluid team which is able to pass and move, with players interchanging positions. I've not seen glimpses that Carroll possesses the kind of intelligent link play Crouch displayed in his first season. Not saying it can't happen though, since Carroll is clearly more talented of the two, and has time on his side. No doubt he will play his fair share of games, and score many goals, I have a feeling that come the end of this season our best/first choice front six will consist of Lucas holding the midfield (good to see him back today!), with Adam and Gerrard either side of him linking with Downing and Kuyt/Henderson, and Suarez as the main striker. Nonetheless intrigued to see how it pans out for Carroll, especially since he cost so much money. Thought Downing was very good, and definitely got more to his game than "putting in crosses for Carroll". Very impressed so far. Sticking my neck out here - Henderson is going to be a big player for us in the coming years. He's got something about him, the energy and still slightly raw talent waiting to be moulded. Excited to see how his career at LFC pans out, think we've potentially got a gem in our hands... Thought Valencia showed some excellent ability on the ball too, there were some passages of play which were fantastic to watch. I also think Aurelio's ability on the ball made a difference in the way we played first half. The difference between a Liverpool team with and without Johnson, Agger and Aurelio is just massive, and worrying. For obvious reasons. And Johnson's record isn't great too given he's spent extended periods out each of the last two seasons at LFC.

Think if they released him they'd have to pay him...

To get people excited. Nothing wrong in that.

GREAT piece of news this...

Read somewhere the other day that Glen Jonno is one of them too...