A spirited Liverpool performance saw Brendan Rodgers’ much changed side lose 1-0 to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night but there were plenty of positives to take from the defeat.
It’s difficult to claim that Rodgers’ team selection was vindicated, as ultimately Liverpool still lost, but the performance was certainly better than had been feared even before talk of wholesale changes arose.
In fact, it was probably the most defensively solid performance we’ve ever seen under Rodgers. Kolo Toure marshalled the defence excellently and Simon Mignolet‘s confidence will have been helped a whole lot by his display in goal, making some crucial saves.
Here’s a round up of fans reactions and talking points from the match:
The team many wanted to start were 3-0 down half time 2 weeks ago & failed to score v Hull & Newcastle, Rodgers has some vindication tonight
— Steven Horton (@SteHortonLpool) November 4, 2014
Never happy with a defeat but we can take great heart from that performance. Certain 'squad players' have played their way into contention.
— Aaron Cutler (@aaron_cutler) November 4, 2014
https://twitter.com/TheKopMagazine/status/529749635137814528
Never like losing, but that's one of the best defensive displays I've seen under Rodgers. Mignolet & Toure outstanding. Encouraging! #LFC.
— Si Steers (@sisteers) November 4, 2014
Brendan Rodgers took a risk tonight but his players really stepped up for him. More vigour, vibrancy than #LFC have produced in some time
— Ben Smith (@BSmith) November 4, 2014
Two things. 1. Mignolet looked like a keeper again. 2. Kolo Toure cannot lose his place against Chelsea after that performance.
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) November 4, 2014
There’s much praise for Liverpool’s defence, and Toure in particular;
Personally thought Toure and Lucas were outstanding. If the former is dropped for Lovren I'll be apoplectic.
— Aaron Cutler (@aaron_cutler) November 4, 2014
Real only had one Opta-defined big chance tonight. Considering QPR had 5 against LFC, that's pretty good! pic.twitter.com/Hg3L2mzSiD
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) November 4, 2014
Kolo Toure was excellent tonight. Not just by his standards, by any CBs. #LFC
— Michael Owen (@mfowen91) November 4, 2014
Much talk surrounded Gerrard’s exclusion, of course;
Tonight Steven Gerrard became just a player in the #LFC squad, not a sacred cow. And not before time. Maybe we can all move forward now?
— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) November 4, 2014
That's exactly how Steven Gerrard should be being used.
— Colin Spreag (@ColinSpreag) November 4, 2014
In all honesty, Coutinho was the only sub who improved us. Sterling off colour & Gerrard forced it too much. #LFC
— Sam Drury (@SamDrury11) November 4, 2014
Round of applause around the Bernabeu for Steven Gerrard. They really seem to have a thing for him in Madrid …
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) November 4, 2014
What’s your thoughts on the result and performance? Let us know in the comments below.
Fan Comments