02 Feb 2018 20:28:22
Could someone do an in depth look (article) at where we are failing defensively at times and what the mistakes are so we can look out for them and also how these errors can be snuffed out please?

1.) 02 Feb 2018
02 Feb 2018 20:37:46
Very differing opinions all around on that one mate.

2.) 02 Feb 2018
02 Feb 2018 22:16:17
Would be intresting to work out. when teams park the bus against us we could have 900 mins and still not score yet we can't park a bus and hold a 3 goal lead.

3.) 03 Feb 2018
03 Feb 2018 01:41:58
Not a long article but a few thoughts

- initially I think our defensive issues came about through having a very attacking fullback setup and limited cover from midfield. When we turned the ball over, we would often be left exposed three on three way too often, and particularly with a CB pairing lacking pace/ prone to errors and a weak GK we were always in danger. that’s why I feel we were so prone to losing against lower teams because it was more likely our FBs were pushing high up the pitch and being hit on the counter

- Klopp has gradually adapted (particularly last season after Christmas, when we’d been losing a lot of games), and over time our FBs have been a bit more selective in pushing forward, and our pressing from the front and midfield has improved, improving consistency and results with our defence being less exposed. While not being hit as often on the counterattack, our defensive lapses have continued however due to individual errors (Lovren, Migs and Moreno particularly culpable), weakness at set pieces, and a tendency to panic under pressure

- in our more recent run of form, it’s also noticeable how our defence has used Gomez a bit more, and holding him back almost as a back 3 on occasions, leaving our LB to push up, and our midfield to create width on the right instead. Klavan was also a big help, with a solid run of form until his recent injury helping cut out many of our previous errors. It’s been a good stable platform playing to individual strengths. When we’ve had our lapses, again they’ve tensed to be individual mistakes (Lovren and Migs against Tottenham) or when our midfield fails to fire and provide adequate protection, but we seem to be improving our consistency over time.

I expect with a back 5 of Karius, Robertson, VVD, Lovren, Gomez (and Klavan when fit) we actually have a pretty decent defence in the making but it does depend on Lovren and Karius eliminating errors. I feel we are a long way forward than where we were a couple of years ago though in terms of balancing attack and defence. I wouldn’t panic taking that defence up against most in the league.

4.) 03 Feb 2018
03 Feb 2018 08:28:54
maybe MK has time?

5.) 03 Feb 2018
03 Feb 2018 08:29:54
Zonal marking and missing a quality keeper.

6.) 03 Feb 2018
03 Feb 2018 10:20:23
good read SGred, thanks mate!