Well, what to say about that .....
First the good-
Opening day of the season is just about getting the win. It doesn't matter how you get it. Just GET it! And to do it at a very tricky away ground, and one which we suffered the worst humiliation I can honestly remember ever the last time out; was doubling pleasing. And surprisingly unexpected to what we feared the short journey down. But then when you have this little magician in the number 10 jersey (Who contrary to some assertions around here isn't overrated in any stretch or form as one of the best pure 10's in the league), anything is possible ..... What a ****ing goal! Seriously. I think it even topped the Southampton web last year. Phil just get's better and better with each passing game.
And I'd be remiss to not point out the assist for the goal, after he'd won the tackle and played it simple to the little genius ..... Yup, non other than 'The man, the myth, the living LEG-END Joe freaking Gomez!' *Smiles BIG! And I thought he did well overall considering he was up against a veteran experienced bruiser in Walters. Started off shaky, but grew as the game went on in a position that's completely unfamiliar to him but will serve him well to learn the perspective from out there when he eventually ends up (hopefully) dominating inside.
And a shout out to the much maligned (and rightly so) Lovren. Who completely outshone the woeful Skrtel today. Although it looked like he should have walked for the elbow. Was it as bad as I thought on the TV?
So a fantastic result, topped off by a Worldie goal from a fast developing Worldie player which caps a pretty darn excellent opening 2 days of results.
And then there's Brendan Rodgers .....
I don't have a clue what he's had to say, but I'm imaging 'excellent performance/ great character and pride' was in there somewhere along the line. Make NO mistake, like Utd yesterday, that was a VERY fortuitous (if highly welcome) win when a draw would of been a fair result from a VERY bland game that was causing a LOT of frustration in our end down to the BR speciality 4-2-3-1 bollocks. For all those that slam Mario, I give you another totally isolated striker today in Christian Benteke who couldn't get into the game with **** all support around him. The way we play 1 up is ****ing amateur hour tactically. And now we have a big guy, we resorted to completely bypassing the Brazilian genius for much of the game until Can came on and boxed off the midfield, allowing more attacking options. He has the personal to be a fantastic attacking 4-3-3/ 4-4-2 diamond team with either Benteke and A N Other (Firmino/ Ings) alongside, and Phil at the head of diamond with Can protecting and Milner and Henderson; or a three of Phil, Benteke and Firmino/ Ibe with Can, Hendo and Milner behind that. But NOT with an isolated forward with no support within 10/15 yards 9 times out of 10.
I know, I know. Narking at the manger after an opening day win. But when you look beyond the result and ecstasy of the winner, there's a LOT to nark at him for when there's no need with the players at his disposal to put himself in that situation.
But again, a win is a win on opening day. Which, with absolutely no disrespect intended, should be 2 for 2 after Bournemouth next Monday Night to set us up for the next big test at Arsenal the Monday after.
That Coutinho fella' can't half play hey? Mighty Reds!