Whip it in

[koppper]

These floated crosses are a total waste of time. We need wingers and full backs to whip them in from the final third, and not just from crosses and set pieces. If we can get this sorted out, it will make a massive difference to the team. Looking at what we did tonight, almost the first whipped cross we get 10 minutes from time and Crouch causes confusion, allowing Kuyt to score. A floated cross is just a total waste of time, as we saw many times tonight.

 

For my presents in the next few months:

1) G+H out & DIC in

2) Rafa to stay

3) Agger to recover

4) Players down the flanks who can whip in crosses

 

Thats not asking too much? I really think that this would transform our results.

[Raj]

These floated crosses are a total waste of time.

 

Nope. Only when Finnan doesn't float them in.

Also, if you look at many of Gary Macs free kicks and corners, he used to float them in too.

[alias75]

Thats why id play Stevie on the right , and the way Lucas handled a very big game tonight surely thats an option now as Lucas has that similar drive that Stevie has.

 

I think a part of the reason Stevie hasnt played on the right this season is because we lack that drive through the middle when its Alonso in there, but with Lucas you keep that, plus you have Gerrards great delivery from wide right.

[meepins]

Thats why id play Stevie on the right , and the way Lucas handled a very big game tonight surely thats an option now as Lucas has that similar drive that Stevie has.

 

I think a part of the reason Stevie hasnt played on the right this season is because we lack that drive through the middle when its Alonso in there, but with Lucas you keep that, plus you have Gerrards great delivery from wide right.

Really? I must rewatch the game because it seemed to me he did very little of that and opted to pass back and sideways with the ball.

[Nebraska Red]

I thought Lucas looked lost early on and was caught watching the game pass him by at times.

 

He did get better as the game progressed and they were down to 10 men and played further back towards their goal.

 

Some of our crossing was awful and our set pieces were downright shocking at times. How many times did we fail to get a ball over the first defender?

 

Pennant made a difference when he came on as he offers a little bit of pace out wide and can get the ball in the box.

 

Babel is not a wide player, he can beat the first man but has not been able to get past the 2nd man and deliver a cross, he almost always looks to come inside and this lets defenders get back to him. I woul love to see him play alongside Torres.

[alias75]

Not comparing Lucas with Gerrard but Lucas has a similar style of play in that he has the energy to get forward that someone like Alonso doesn't. I think playing Alonso in there instead of Gerrard you do lose that energy through the middle, but Lucas could eventually do a similar job.